The cult 2010 movie that accidentally launched Margot Robbie’s career: “We auditioned her”

Margot Robbie missed out on a role in the 2010 Australian film *Tomorrow, When the War Began*, but its director later said she had auditioned for it. The casting setback preceded her move to Los Angeles, where she quickly landed a role that helped bring her to Hollywood’s attention.

The film, directed by Stuart Beattie, follows seven teenagers resisting an invasion and was adapted from John Marsden’s book series. Beattie said in a 2020 reunion that Robbie auditioned for Phoebe Tonkin’s part; Mia Wasikowska and Emily Browning also missed out on roles. Robbie booked a part in the TV series *Pan Am* within six months of arriving in the US.