“There was never a chance in hell”: Greta Gerwig Nearly Doomed ‘Little Women’ By Miscasting Saoirse Ronan

Greta Gerwig’s second collaboration with Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet turned out to be the film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel Little Women. When it was first announced, people did not think of it as anything groundbreaking because it had been done before. In fact, Gerwig’s adaptation was the seventh one.

It has been almost half a decade since the movie was released, and in all these years, it has attained the status of a modern-day classic that people cannot help but talk about. One of the most powerful performances in the movie was from Saoirse Ronan who embodied Jo March with such intensity that it remains one of her most beloved roles in her two decades-long acting career. However, Gerwig had almost cast Ronan as an entirely different character and was luckily proven wrong by the actress.

Greta Gerwig was going to cast Saoirse Ronan as a completely different character in Little Women

Written by Louisa May Alcott in the late 1860s, Little Women depicts women in a timeless and relatable manner. The novel richly explores what it means to live authentically and courageously while navigating the confines of societal expectations. It demonstrates that strength is multifaceted and inclusive, showcasing how women, across eras, have faced and resisted the shackles of societal norms.

Instead of sticking to the conventional retelling of the story, Greta Gerwig decided to weave modern feminist sensibilities into the fabric of a beloved classic. This added to its appeal to contemporary audiences who deeply resonate with Jo March’s frustration about a male-dominated publishing world her resistance to marriage, and the nuance in Amy’s character.

Both Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh did incredible jobs at playing Jo and Amy, but Ronan was almost cast as Amy instead of Jo. In Revisiting Little Women: A Conversation with Greta Gerwig and Saoirse Ronan which is included in Columbia Classics Volume 5 box set (via X), the Barbie director revealed that she envisioned Ronan as Amy.

You had just played Lady Bird, and I thought of you as such a small baby. I was like, ‘You’ll be baby Amy,’ and then you were like, ‘NO! I’m Jo!’ And it was such a Jo thing to do that I was like… ‘Oh!’

The Atonement actress replied, “There was never a chance in hell.” She further stated that she wanted to be a part of the movie and the only way she intended to do it was by portraying Jo March so she stood her ground and that changed Gerwig’s mind. In fact, Ronan earned her fourth Academy Award nomination for this role.

Saoirse Ronan called declaring she had to play Jo March in Little Women the most “ballsy” move she’d ever made

Ronan was no stranger to period films when she signed up for Little Women. She had already starred in projects like Atonement, Brooklyn, and Mary Queen of Scots. Even so, this was not the kind of movie she would have starred in if it had not been Gerwig directing it.

In an interview with Deadline, The Outrun actress reflected on how she knew that she had to be Jo the moment she found out that the Ladybird director was making this film.

I really did just go up to her at an awards show and say, “I know you’re going to do this thing. I want to be in it, and I really think the only part I can play is Jo March. So, if you want me to be in it, this is what I’m willing to offer you.” It was the most ballsy I’ve ever been. 

Gerwig told her that she would have to think about it and a week later, Ronan received an email from her confirming that she would play Jo. The actress also said that she has never pursued a role like this.

Little Women is available for streaming on Hulu.