Haley Lu Richardson, known for her roles in movies like Split and The Edge of Seventeen, recently opened up about her experience auditioning for superhero roles, including a Marvel character.
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In an interview with the Happy Sad Confused podcast, she described the audition process as a “big screen test” that required hair, makeup, and a significant commitment without having seen the script.
Marvel Audition: A Major Commitment
Richardson revealed how overwhelming the audition process for a Marvel role can be. Actors have to sign on for not just five but seven years of commitment, making it a massive undertaking. While exciting, committing to such a long period without even seeing the script can be daunting.
However, Richardson did mention that there is something exciting about meeting the director, producers, and reading all the comics on the character before committing to the role. The audition process involves real cameras, and the actors are directed on the kind of street clothes to wear rather than superhero costumes.
Batgirl Role: Richardson’s Missed Opportunity
Richardson also spoke about her audition for the now-axed Warner Bros. DCU film, Batgirl, which eventually went to Leslie Grace. She admitted that she was excited about the role, particularly the prospect of playing JK Simmons’ daughter. Despite missing out, Richardson expressed her enthusiasm for the superhero genre and hinted at future opportunities.
The Future Of Superhero Movies
While Richardson didn’t confirm which Marvel character she screen-tested for, the actress’s interest in the superhero genre is clear. With the abundance of superhero movies in the pipeline, Richardson’s missed opportunities are unlikely to be her last. Studios are churning out more comic book projects in the coming years, and more than one has Richardson’s number.
Richardson’s insight into the audition process for superhero movies sheds light on the pressure actors face when committing to multi-year projects without seeing a script. However, her passion for the genre and willingness to continue auditioning shows that the prospect of playing a superhero is exciting and compelling for many actors. As the superhero genre continues to grow in popularity, opportunities for actors like Haley Lu Richardson are sure to arise.
