In 1991, Drew Barrymore lost a role to Juliette Lewis. 10 years later, they were on opposite sides
Drew Barrymore and Juliette Lewis repeatedly auditioned for overlapping film roles, with one winning parts the other had considered. Their near-misses show how casting choices can shape performances and films, and the pair later discussed the pattern together on Barrymore’s talk show.
In 1991, Lewis was cast as Danielle Bowden in Martin Scorsese’s *Cape Fear*, earning an Oscar nomination; Barrymore had auditioned for the role. Lewis later missed out on the lead in *Riding in Cars with Boys*, which went to Barrymore, and Barrymore also recalled auditioning for *Natural Born Killers* and reading *What’s Eating Gilbert Grape*. The two first appeared together on screen in 2009’s *Whip It*, Barrymore’s directorial debut.
In short
- Lewis won the *Cape Fear* role Barrymore auditioned for.
- Barrymore later got a role Lewis wanted.
- The actresses shared their casting near-misses on Barrymore’s show.
Explained simply
Drew Barrymore and Juliette Lewis are American actors whose careers began when they were young. Actors often audition for the same parts, but casting directors choose one performer for each role, shaping how a character is portrayed.
Lewis played Danielle Bowden in Martin Scorsese’s 1991 thriller Cape Fear, after Barrymore had auditioned for the part. Barrymore later starred in Riding in Cars with Boys, a role Lewis had also sought. They appeared together in Whip It, Barrymore’s 2009 directorial debut.