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.
- Robbie auditioned for *Tomorrow, When the War Began*.
- She missed out on Phoebe Tonkin’s role.
- *Pan Am* helped raise her profile in Hollywood.
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Tomorrow, When the War Began is a 2010 Australian film based on John Marsden’s books. It follows a group of teenagers who return from a camping trip to find their country under invasion and organise resistance.
Director Stuart Beattie later said Margot Robbie auditioned for the role of Phoebe, which went to Phoebe Tonkin. The film also featured a young cast that included Caitlin Stasey and Lincoln Lewis; other actors, including Mia Wasikowska and Emily Browning, missed out on roles.
Robbie moved from Australia to Los Angeles and soon won a part in the television series Pan Am. That role helped introduce her to US audiences and was an early step in a career that later brought her wider attention.