Julia Garner beat 1,498 teenagers to reach the final ‘Skins’ audition. She still didn’t get the part
Julia Garner reached the final round of auditions for the US remake of British teen drama *Skins*, but did not get a role. The audition nevertheless helped launch her career: casting intern Susan Shopmaker remembered Garner months later and cast her in the psychological thriller *Martha Marcy May Marlene*, her screen debut.
The US *Skins* attracted controversy over its portrayal of underage drinking and sex, and lasted only one season. Garner said she and one other girl remained from the original pool of 1,500 auditionees; the article says more than 1,500 children auditioned before 30 hopefuls were selected. The film role that followed became a pivotal first step in Garner’s career.
In short
- Garner was one of two finalists from 1,500 *Skins* auditionees.
- She did not get a role in the US remake.
- A casting director remembered her and gave her screen debut.
Explained simply
Skins began as a British television drama about teenagers and was later remade for American audiences. Its casting search drew a large number of young hopefuls, while its depiction of underage drinking and sex became controversial.
Julia Garner was one of the young actors considered for the remake. Casting intern Susan Shopmaker later remembered her and cast her in Martha Marcy May Marlene, a psychological thriller that marked Garner’s screen debut and helped start her acting career.