Why Quentin Tarantino Initially Fired Mélanie Laurent and Isabelle Huppert From ‘Inglourious Basterds’

Quentin Tarantino says he initially dismissed Mélanie Laurent and Isabelle Huppert from Inglourious Basterds over problems with the film’s table read, though Laurent later won back the lead role. His account highlights how he prioritises casting and rehearsals, and how decisions made before filming can reshape a production.

Laurent told Tarantino she had been unwell during the read and pressed for another chance; after three days of rehearsal, he chose her as Shosanna Dreyfus. Huppert missed the read amid contract delays, so Maggie Cheung was cast instead, but her character’s scenes were later cut. Released in 2009, the film grossed more than $321 million worldwide and received eight Oscar nominations, with Christoph Waltz winning for best supporting actor.