Several weeks ago, a particularly interesting piece of casting news broke – Blake Lively had been cast in a lead role in a Steven Soderbergh-directed film. It was believed that Blake was Soderbergh’s choice to play a pill-popping military wife in The Side Effects, and the cast was rounded out with Channing Tatum (as Blake’s husband) and Jude Law (as Blake’s therapist/lover). It would have been a really big deal for Blake, if she delivered even a solid-to-good performance in a Soderbergh film. Unfortunately, last week, everything seemed to fall apart. Producers went public saying that Blake was not cast in the role, had never been officially cast, and that the film could not be financed with Blake in the lead role. What happened? It’s up for debate. Some blame producers, some blame Soderbergh’s unconventional casting habits, some blame Blake’s history as a not-so-stunning actress.
Whatever happened, it does look bad for Blake, though. And it looks even worse now – Blake is officially OUT. Guess who’s in the role now? Rooney Mara. There isn’t an “UUUUUGGGGHHH” big enough.
In her first lead role since her Oscar-nominated turn in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Rooney Mara has just committed to starring in Side Effects, the Steven Soderbergh-directed thriller. Mara will replace Blake Lively in a film that also stars Jude Law, Channing Tatum and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Mara plays Emily Hawkins, a sexy but unsettled young woman who is taking serious amounts of prescription drugs to deal with anxiety and depression surrounding the pending release of her husband from prison. Her husband has been in prison for three years and after taking a new medicine she was prescribed, she unknowingly murders her husband and stands trial for murder.
Scott Z. Burns wrote the script, and Open Road will distribute in the U.S. It looked like Megan Ellison’s Annapurna Pictures would be financier, but I have been hearing that is a bit shaky. Greg Jacobs and Lorenzo di Bonaventura are producing. Shooting begins in April.
Since her breakout performance as Lisbeth Salander, Mara has been courted for several major roles, including the female lead in the Kathryn Bigelow film about the hunt for Osama Bin Laden. That film clashed with her promotional schedule on Dragon Tattoo. Mara is currently in Tokyo promoting the film.
[From Deadline]
So, is that it? Rooney Mara is “better” than Blake Lively? Rooney is a better actress, sure. But I simply LIKE Blake more. Blake is a professional, she carries herself like a young actress who is simply happy to work, and Blake’s interviews don’t make me want to punch her in the face. I hope Steven Soderbergh likes being disrespected by an entitled, snotty little girl, because Rooney Mara has no appreciation for the opportunities she’s had as an actress, and she has a history of being an unprofessional brat. Also, I don’t buy Rooney as capable of playing “sexy”. She’s milquetoast, asexual and bland.
Sigh… I was really hoping Rooney wouldn’t “happen” in Hollywood, but she ended up with an Oscar nomination (BEST ACTRESS?!?!!?) and now this. It’s so depressing when people with terrible personalities succeed in life.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
YOu’re right. Not an ‘ugh’ enough big in this world for this piece of garbage.
I can’t even begin to explain what (probably unfounded) animosity I bear for this girl. She’s just. completely and utterly intolerable.
Completely agree!
If she was a bit more gracious on the red carpet as well during promotion (she wasn’t overseas, and translated more impatience, with monosyllable answers, in regards to questions about the movie), I would’ve forgiving her.
I’m not a Blake Lively fan, but I am now feeling bad for her. She was very palatable in The Town. Let’s be honest, the role called for a drunken-high-sexy-and-cheap siren, and with her locked jaw, Blake delivered completely!
I’m not liking this shitting on actresses publicly. At all. I don’t know if Jennifer’s reach is that deep, but this should not happen in such a public manner.
Considering that Steven Soderbergh films haven’t been doing that well lately this just gives her another project to bitch about in the future.
As much as I think Rooney Mara is more talented overall I still prefer Blake to Rooney. She’s just got the worst attitude.
Hi mln76
Co – sign
Blake gets the worst grief and most people on GG say she’s professional respectful and eats with the crew. No drama.
Bizzarely we had an office sweep stakes on actresses who could work together and peeps picked Blake & Rooney, the blonde and the brunette. Specifically cos they seem so diametrically opposed.
Funny how things turn out!
Yep.
But I’m curious….in whose world are Blake Lively and Rooney Mara interchangeable????
LOL
I did say they were diametrically opposed, physically as well as, IT SEEMS (I dunno either,) emotionally.
It was just crap shooting office gossip of how they would play enemies in a film. Or mirror images in those kind of old skool CK commercials y’know, the blonde v. the brunette. I only brought it up cos its odd/ironic/eerie how their paths have now crossed somewhat in an unfortunate manner
Was wondering the exact same thing! Have those two even ever auditioned for the same parts? Bizarre. Well, if that socialite producer wants a marquee actress, she’s now got one. An irritating, pretentious one who I’m sure will bring much angst and aloofness to the character. Not something I’d want to watch, but I’m sure some of the old fogies in the Academy will love it.
Yuck, just yuck.
I don’t think we need another Kristen Stewart-esque stink face like Rooney Mara.
Also, I don’t know why, but Blake Lively always looks kind of – low-rent, perhaps. I don’t want to say trashy, because I’m sure she’s not trashy, but there’s something about her where she always looks “hard”, kind of street.
I also think she lies about her age and is older.
Don’t like either of them, but bwahahahahaha! I think this is hilarious. Blake isn’t going to carry a film on her own. I don’t care how sweet she is, how good she bakes. It ain’t happening for Mumbles.
Rooney isn’t the best actress, but she has a hit movie and an Oscar nomination. Bitchy, ungrateful attitude aside, she’s the better choice.
I agree.
Agreed. In the business of HW, right now Mara’s casting makes the better business sense.
Heeheehee I’m following this story with immense amusement.
It’s just my opinion, but nonwithstanding her initial fizzling with the public opinion, Mara’s got good instincts as an actress. Blake might be a fine, inoffensive magazine presence and great at cultivating the Lively brand, but she’s not of the same caliber as the roster of talented young actresses that include Mara. I’d even argue that Lea Michele is more talented, and that one really gets on my nerves. Give or take a couple of years, Blake’s going to have a movie star career, Aniston-style. Which is fine by me for those fluffy rom-coms, as long as she doesn’t bogart the critically interesting roles (maybe she’ll prove everyone wrong after Savages, but until then…)
The balance of the (cinema) universe has been restored ;). In a perfect world, they would have had the guts to cast Imogen Poots. She’s got a lot of potential, that Imogen.
Yep, I agree as well and it’s a damn good piece of gossip.
I agree that Rooney has the acting cred that Blake doesn’t. Not to mention that Rooney isn’t pap’d running around trying so snag the next A-list guy.
I’m no fan but I don’t get the Rooney hate. She strikes me as shy, and is probably overwhelmed by all the sudden attention.
Agree. Blake still just isn’t good enough for a real role, whereas Rooney has already proved herself. If I were an investor in this film and had the choice, I would select Rooney Mara over Blake any day…regardless of attitude.
Agree. Don’t consider her talented at all. Her look, boobs an well-played relationships, got her where she is at in Hollywood. She earned it by climbing socially. No respect for her at all. Rooney is possibly biatchy, but she’s a talented biatch.
Agree. It is funny when you think about how she’s “playing” her way to the top. Didn’t help her in this case.
Ohh snap!
Kaiser you need to get one thing straight, Rooney might be a hipster but the girl can act. Why the studio choose her over blake is that shes way commercial and Anistony for that role-
ditto! Mara can get on my nerves on the red carpet but she delivered in girl with… blake makes me want to punch her DURING the movie, she was the worst part of The Town and her part was small… can you imagine her as the lead in a drama?? no thanks!
Blake Lively can’t act her way out of a paper bag. I’m Team Rooney Mara on this. Her personality might suck but she is actually talented. Talent >>>>>sexy siren. People just like Blake cause she can show up with her boobs and ass hanging out of dresses and give them good gossip.
Rooney Mara is an entitled rich girl and looking at the description of this role she is going to be stereotyped as “the troubled girl”
HOWEVER, at least she isn’t trying to f*ck herself into an A-List actress. Buying your way in hasn’t gotten her older sister very far. She works but what has she DONE.
i feel like Leo is after putting Blake back to her actual value after she released the rumor of dumping him and going to Ryan .
I like your thinking. And considering Leo’s clout in Hwood, it’s entirely possible.
That’s actually a fantastic film plot, I’ll give you that.
Only Lainey is the one that has created and clearly influenced this narrative of Blake playing Leo cause she was caugt on the hop! And her word on the blogs is clearly gospel.
Blake and Leo have kept schtum and in the papers and rags they say Leo did the dumping, or face saving for BOTH of them say it was mutual.
I do like the idea though
Oh!
In some respects you ARE correct. I believe if she was still Leo’s piece she would have had more clout/studio backing.
Like you said, we have no idea who did the dumping but Leo definately looked bad after the break-up while Blake bounced back with RR.
Even if Blake didn’t do the dumping, the bad PR (and now no Oscar nom)has gotta be hard on Leo’s ego. He could easily believe that Blake’s PR team had a hand in this perception so behind the scenes he’s probably not doing her any favors.
And speaking of Lainey, I can’t wait to see what she has to say about this!
I agree. The actual first casting of Blake seemed like a practical joke since the beginning: as if *someone* wanted to raise her hopes and profile way too high for good recovery. As if *someone* really wanted it to burn for a long time (and be potentially career-ruining…).
Also, Mara might not be the most professional and interview-interesting girl ever, but she can act.
Blake can’t.
Leo is when my dislike of BL started. I never bothered with her before, other than hating her nose. I always liked the other Gossip Girl better (even if i don’t watch the show).
Leo made her look desperate… here is this tall “butternose” young woman going after this OLD* dude who can only be interesting because she can help her career.
I love Leo, he and I went to the same HS a couple of years apart. When I tell people that they ask – how many years AFTER him did you go. I’m older. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! you Leo! He’s 38, I’m 42… I look younger. So yeah… her dating him was blatant. Ryan wouldn’t be as much if it weren’t for Leo. #TeamLeo
Given the choice between good personality & little or no talent and slightly more talent & bad personality I’d pick, neither. Keep searching but Hollywood never does that.
YES!!! I called it! (comment #48 in last Blake story).
Sorry to gloat, but I was sure they’d cast Mara.
I was just going to post this for you and give you kudos for calling it! If you had waited a couple more minutes I would have gloated for you. 🙂
Well done!
Thanks Mia girl! *does happy dance*
Just for the record, I find Mara unsufferable as well but I’m tots enjoying watching her star rise.
Interesting it will be to see the chemistry between Rooney and Jude
Then again whatevs happens with the film her professional multitude of haters can’t blame Blake this time!
Oh ewwww! I just felt sorry for the former “Tricia Mara”. Jude is so smarmy. He and BL might have hooked up.
That’s got to hurt Blake’s never ending career climbing.
Rooney seems stuck up, she’ll probably have some snide comments to say about all this someday too. I do think she’s pretty though – her sister is too, though I don’t think they look anything alike.
Actually, I think they look a lot alike. Check out these “before” pictures:
http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2011/12/19/red-carpet-evolution-rooney-mara/
Wow, you’re right, in the early photos there is a resemblance. Not so much these days though. I do like Rooney’s darker hair, makes her eyes stand out.
Yeah, especially in that 3rd picture.
It will be intersting to see how Mara’s style changes once the Dragon promo is finished. I think she’ll go for pure hwood glamor, not girly like before. Something in line with her new status.
Wow, she’s a total chameleon. And pretty. I love her current style but I’m sure she will continue to evolve, it will be interesting to watch.
Ha! I actually hate Rooney Mara, but I hate Blake Lively more. I want to punch Blake in her interview, about how she’s Saint Blake, and how she doesn’t even really give a f-ck about acting but OMG screws ahead to get roles…and is just generally bullshit. I’d rather Rooney Happen more than Blake
Co-sign. Rather have someone with talent get ahead than Blake Lively. Rooney Mara gives bad interviews but she appears to be professional on set, does whatever is asked of her for a role. That’s the most important.
Rooney is a fine actress.
Yes she is, and being a snooty ice queen didn’t really do Nicole Kidman or Julia Roberts any harm – it was “old age” that kinda killed off their careers.
TGWTDT will shortly cross the $200 million-mark worldwide so they are going to make the sequels and we are all going to have to accept that RM will be around for the foreseeable future. Let’s just be thankful it’s not us that has to work with her.
And remember, we only have a few months’-worth of Kristen Stewart left, yay!
Well Roberts is questionable for some, but I on the Team Julia can act her ass off (Steel Magnolias, Erin Brocovich- another Soderbergg classic) but she and Nicole can act and I actually found them to be perfectly charming when they first started out. They earned their ice queen position and put in their time and shitty parts.
Mara hasn’t earned anything. TGWTDT is so hyped by everyone. Oooh, she got her nipple pierced, she is sooo committed. Like, she’s the only one to have sacrificed for her art. And Yet Julianne Moore doesn’t have to go through all that method to turn in a stunning performance. She turns it on and off at the drop of a hat.
Rooney just comes off as so try hard. Like Chloe Sevigny never came across as fake to me in her hipster/uptown bred/downtown mentality.
I’m replying to TheOriginalVictoria
Every actor gets “in character” differently, people are just impressed by how far Rooney went to embody Lisbeth. People made a big deal over Nicole wearing a fake nose for The Hours, and that was her biggest transformation that I’ve seen. I haven’t seen any Julianne Moore films that require a ton of weight loss or changing her entire look – it wasn’t required so I don’t see how this comparison works.
I think Rooney Mara turned in a fantastic performance.
Blake needs to remind people she still exists through her relationships and T&A shows on the red carpet. Now THAT’s annoying.
@whoever replied to me…
I was criticising methods, I’m saying she is not the only one who has done it so lets stop drooling about it. And I’ not talking about appearances acting wise. I mean some people do have to carry their characters around with them 24/7 to get into a role. It’s almost effortless for some more than others.
Anyway, I stand by my original statement and say that she was hyped and is hyped to be the next best thing. I wish her all the success of Katherine Heigl.
Roberts was an ice queen? I remember her as a tawdry whore.
I actually think that is a good comparison: Rooney = Nicole
Blake = Julia (except without the talent to fool people into thinking she has talent).
I couldn’t care less about Rooney’s personality, because she’s an amazing actress and in a perfect world casting would rely only on that and not how “nice” you are or how much “game” you’ve got.
ITA, Lini.
I just dont consider her “sexy” to play the role of Emily Hawkins.
Ha, in my perfect world snooty, ungrateful women wouldn’t prosper. To each his own!
But I agree with Mingy; even when Mara looks feminine she doesn’t come off as sexy.
I couldn’t reply directly to @Mingy. I think Rooney has sexy in her. No one has asked her to do it yet.
Blake would have been much better in the role.
Much. Better.
Sucks. I ws hoping to see more from Blake. Still haven’t made up my mind about her acting abilities..Rooney Mara is just an ungrateful rich girl who grates on my nerves.
I feel bad for Blake but I am sure she will get another part. Even though I know this post is going to turn into a hate fest for Blake I still prefer her over Rooney.
In interviews, Blake comes off as interesting, happy and very grateful and we all know that Rooney doesn’t. In the past three interviews, Rooney has referred to herself “aloof” and “edgy”. That in itself is annoying as hell, never mind her shitting on her old jobs. Rooney is neither interesting or likable.
Totally agree about RM. Bleh.
the casting is based on talent not how u fake yourself on TV interviews, at-least Rooney Mara doesn’t kiss up and jump from one guy to another to get roles, clearly you have no idea how talented she is, IN FB and in TGWDT. Blake has no talent, the only reason she is there at every stupid red carpet is to show her existence and her parents are talent scouts in Hollywood. Rooney is the best choice and clearly everyone else thoughts so.
When did she say she was “edgy?” Oh right, she didn’t. :/
If I had to choose between the two I would choose Blake. Only because I dislike Roony, she seems like a spoiled brat. I also dislike her hair, it’s bad.
Rooney Mara is very real unlike Pretentious Lively and acting is based on talent not personality, clearly of which Rooney innately has and Blake? she needs to stick with nothing, because she is one horse looking, talentless, annoying mumbler in life. what a waste.
Blake Lively has been said to be many things, but I’ve never heard her be called pretentious before. She seems very laid back.
Wow, what’s the lesser evil: generic girl with few/mediocre talent that shamelessly climbs the social ladder through more famous actors and hustles it like an old rot in the game OR pretentious rich c* with talent but terribly ungrateful? I would pick neither to be honest. Why would I root for people who lack the talent to actually perform the job? As for Mara, well, there are and were lot of b* in Hollywood but at least they didn’t/don’t sh* on their jobs so really, both of them are disposable for me.
I don’t like either of them but at least Ronney Mara is an actress and a good one (she is really good in TGWDT) while Blake is the pretty airhead with a one dimensional acting hability on a drama teen show…
I even doubt she was even considered it’s more her “magic” PR Team work, they have landed the rumor in order to set her in a certain league of actresses (like they did before).
So Rooney Mara is a better a more reasonanble choice in term of acting
But WHY would she then have attended the premiere of his Haywire film in NY?
If there was not an agreement of future collaboration between them? This is often the case in HW, co-stars future or past step out for each other so its not a first.
I highly doubt her PR team could have put a gun to Soderbergh, (whose no slouch), head to force an invitation.
Ah well, why bother.
I didn’t know she attended his premiere and indeed it changes the perspective, so maybe she was considerer indeed at some point.
I thought she attended the premiere because she just filmed a role in Soderbergh’s film with Taylor Kitsch.
It’s not that hard to get tickets to a premiere of an action flick even one by Steven Soderbergh. Her publicist just had to get it from the people hosting the event.
Rooney needs to let down with the Salander and find her own voice. I think she’s got a lot of potential despite her naive privilege, which unfortunately despite a similar background, Blake does not possess.
Whatever you think of her, Rooney killed in Dragon Tattoo. I do feel for Blake though, that was a major public humiliation.
I’d normally agree with you, but I think that’s what happens when Team Lively rush out and leak the announcement, when it’s not even been confirmed by the studio. Recasts happen all the time, but no one in public knows about it since it’s on the downlow. Maybe she’ll even play it to her advantage. Some other director will think of her as an underdog with a humiliating ordeal and offer her a role with lots of scenery chewing opportunities? Nothing surprises me in Hollywood anymore.
GAH! I never thought I’d say this, but I’d rather watch Boobs Legsly than Rooney Entitled Immature Mara any day. I was completely underwhelmed by her performance in Dragon Tattoo. I felt like even her facial expressions were poses she lifted from a book on Acting (intensely( for Dummies. Not that Blake is a great actress–she’s not at all–but I’m with you, Kaiser. At least she tries to be professional and her interviews don’t make me want to go postal.
I actually have to agree. Mara is practically being touted as the second coming of Christ, and while I certainly agree with the majority that she gave it her all in TGWTDT, I wasn’t blown away by her performance. In fact, I wasn’t even expecting to NOT be blown away. I really went in thinking she was going to knock my socks off. But instead, the impression I got — especially after seeing her in a few interviews — was that she simply channeled herself for the role of Lisbeth. Mara herself seems awkward, guarded, cold, and a bit morbid. Somehow, she seems like a watered-down version of Salander in real life. It’s just that her character happened to be super gritty and she decided to get super method to play it. And Hollywood goes nuts whenever a young, attractive ingenue uglifies herself and gets nakey-nakey to play a role. Somehow, I just didn’t feel like it was a stretch for her, and I don’t mean that in the sense that Mara’s just so supremely talented, she barely had to lift her pinky finger to inhabit the role. The accent was distracting (though D. Craig’s lack therof was even more so) and the facial expressions and emoting felt contrived. Yeah, I know I’m in the minority, but it’s just my humble little opinion. 😉
And P.S. Lively can’t act for sh*t (again, just my opinion), and Mara at this point, at least, is far more marketable! Can’t blame Soderbergh for wanting to try and cash in.
I don’t feel sorry for Blake. She was getting way too much hype for her own good. I’d rather see bratty Rooney than phony Blakey on the screen.
Blake is dating Ryan Reynolds, right? I think she’ll be just fine lol. Side note… A friend of mines brother was a PA on the set of 127 Hours. He said Kate Mara (Rooney’s sister)who had a small part in the film, was the sweetest girl. So WTF happened to Rooney?
I kind of feel like Rooney was just obsessed with completely embodying Lisbeth, even in her everyday life. She tried dressing more masculine and acting more “hard-core.” (Her rebellious anecdotes were unintentionally hilarious.)
Anyway, I’m hoping she’s just a naive little girl who got carried away by Fincher’s weird influence… Maybe by working with a new director (one who also has cred, so she probably loves him already), she’ll morph into a different person. Maybe someone who’s a little more grateful.
Or not. I don’t know… But if she claims she’s aloof one more time, I’m going to pull out my hair.
I actually believe the same, she is way too much into lisbeth character and in interviews she seems really really shy but she will learn and improve herself. So for now I don’t have a real opinion about her.
Even though Blake would have shown more appreciation for the role/film in the long run, chances are she would have probably been miscast – If the role calls for someone struggling with anxiety and depression, Rooney could probably carry that off more believably than Blake.
Blake should stick to GG and baking cupcakes.
LOL!you made me spill my coffee!
Rooney also beat out Scarlett in the Girl w/ the dragon tatoo, directors are going w/the best choice for the roles and the financing is very important and I am sure this happens all the time. the hiring and stories were out before anybody was signed. people here a story in the bathroom, and start wagging and blogging about what they think they know before anything is set in stone. Our future is here!
I’m sorry…”terrible personality”? Based on what, exactly – a couple of comments she made about her early work? I agree that it wasn’t the most gracious thing to say, but the fact is, she’s not the first actor to diss her early work and nor will she be the last. To denounce her as some kind of awful, unprofessional bitch on the basis of a couple of quotes (which, again, don’t make her that unique) is just unfair, even for this site.
And in any case, she’s a much better actress than Blake Lively.
I totally agree! BTW, if you dig deep enough, you’ll find unsavory quotes from anyone. ANYONE.
I don’t care, I love Rooney Mara. Blake annoys the hell out of me with her constant famewhoring.
I know its her “early work” but what is she all of 24? Not like this is the distant past or anything. Its always distasteful to hear someone as priviledged as she is whining in public. Maybe she’ll figure it out.
co-sign everything!!I think she is rising and that she will be something quite big, but for now she is just dropped into HW big game without any preparation, that is why she is so shy in interviews, that must be very impressive.
I agree 100%!
I was beginning to think I was the only one who didn’t get the intense hatred of Rooney Mara! Yeah, she shouldn’t have made those comments, but they don’t determine her entire worth as a person. Here’s an interesting little tidbit for the haters: Apparently in 2006, when she was 21 years old and had not yet started acting, she founded a charity that provides housing, food, and medical care for orphans in Kenya. Last year it merged with another foundation, and Mara now serves as the president of the board of directors.
Of course, being involved in charity work doesn’t necessarily mean that someone is a good person. But I think it says a hell of a lot more about her character than a couple of quotes about a storyline from Law & Order.
Good god, it is nice to see a level headed person on this site. EVERY actor, at some pt or another, has blasted a movie/show they were in. When you are trying to break into the biz, you will take some not-so-good parts just to get your feet wet. It amazes me how people on this site will write off celebrities for the most pettiest, stupidest things.
People fail to realize that Blake was NEVER confirmed for the role. All people were going by was hear say. Maybe, this should teach you to stop taking rumors as fact. IF, and this is a big IF, she was replaced by Rooney then I do feel bad for her. It would have been a big career move. But, the fact of the matter is, Rooney is the better actress. I didn’t even know who the girl was in tgwtdt but I couldn’t stop raving about how good she was. I am just now finding out it was Rooney. And, who cares if she has sex appeal or not? Y’all would be the main ones bitching if an actress got a role based solely on her looks. Talent won in this round and I am glad for that.
I hate Rooney Mara. Hate hate hate hate hate her.
But I’m here to discuss this movie plot:
“Mara plays Emily Hawkins, a sexy but unsettled young woman who is taking serious amounts of prescription drugs to deal with anxiety and depression surrounding the pending release of her husband from prison. Her husband has been in prison for three years and after taking a new medicine she was prescribed, she unknowingly murders her husband and stands trial for murder.”
This sounds really stupid to me. He is the military but also somehow in prison. She then kills him unknowingly? Oh brother, let’s return to our Screenwriting 101 class and remind ourselves about the importance of plausibility and the dangers of over-plotting.
Preach, Boo! *waves* Ridiculousness!
“I hate Rooney Mara. Hate hate hate hate hate her.”
Seriously???? How the hell can you have such intense hatred for someone who has never done anything to you? Take all your passion and cure cancer or something. And, while you are at it, get a life or something that closely resembles one.
I like Blake…think she’s a good actress and will develop…
Rooney is coming off of a HOT international hit…so I can see why the producers wanted to go with the hot ticket…
Though how they handled it…EWWW!!!
blakes’ more professional? BWAHAHHAHAHAHHAH. Please, this girl leaks t and a and cooch photos that align perfectly with an opening of a movie, and that makes her more professional? Look, Rooeny was super annoying with the TGWTDT promo, but she was trying to be like Lisabethy and it was a joke cause she’s a trust fund baby, please. Now get her away from that project and director who was blowing too much air up her butt, put her with soderbergh who’s not gonna pull a fincher, and I bet she’ll be less annoying next time around.
Blake is so not ready to be in a lead role. Plus, I don’t think many would flock to see her in a leading part.
Yeah, in a battle of Blah versus Intolerable, I would go with Blah (Blake).
How can you bemoan the choice of a real actress (sure, she’s a brat, but she can act) over a glamour girl hustler who lives for the tabloids?
Neither of them seem suited for the role. Mumbles can’t act and I can’t see Rooney pulling off sexy, time will tell though. All I can say for Blake is; at least she didn’t quit GG when she was getting a lot of buzz. Unlike Katherine Heigl and Mischa Barton.
Co-sign!
She’s never bad mouthed GG or SOTTP
I hope she and Leighton do well cos Gossip Girl needs to die!!!!!!!!!
I’m also chuffed for Penn that Margin Call got an Oscar nod
Exactly!!
Off topic perhaps, but exactly how old is Blake supposed to be again??? Look at those mouth to nose lines/folds in those pics………I mean, I’m older than her, but have none. Can you have those at 24 years old? Is it sun exposure?
And I don’t see an ‘ACTING’ career happen for Blake, she lost out with The Great Gatsby too. I don’t dislike her, but I’d be surprised if it would happen for her.
I think Rooney is a great actress and people have been WAAAAAY too overdramatic about her comments about Law and Order. I saw the episode and remember thinking that it was a totally stupid, crappy storyline.
Blake is a horrible actress, and I think I might actually see this film now that Rooney is in it.
Co-sign! Mara fumbled, but her attitude isn’t even nearly as grating as Natalie Portman’s. Anyway, at least these two are legitimate actresses.
This is not a Miss America pageant, or a choice between Mara and Lively to represent a fashion brand or another product. We’re talking… acting choices. Lively over Mara, really?
Are you serious Lively above Mara, you have got to be kidding.
Lively cannot act and leaks stories to the tabloids sets up pap photos – total fame junkie. And no I am not jealousy, I like plenty of young talented actresses – I love Emma Stone, Jennifer LAwrence and Felicity Jones to name a few.
Yes Mara has a bad demeanor in interviews but she can act she is also in Malick’s new movie with Ryan Golsing.
co-sign and can’t wait!
Exactly – UGH.
I would by far choose Blake over Rooney. Blake has personality, a positive attitude and appreciates the roles she’s given.
Rooney is bland, snotty, boring and whiney.
I’m not saying Blake is an amazing actress because she is not, but at least she tries. Rooney was well cast up to now, but in my opinion, she’s not that great an actress either (but she is convinced she’s the next big thing). I think it’s a real pity that she has more cred than Blake. So all it takes is to dye your hair black, get the ugliest haircut and act like you’re so over this game – and you get all the interesting roles ? Way to go Hollywood.
Um.. no, you turn in a great performance in a hit film.
I didn’t know we were going by who has a better personality for a leading role. I was going by who is a better actor. My bad! haha
It’s really weird since there was an outcry and accusations of trading sex for acting gigs when Blake was rumored to get the part.
In the gossip world, “nice personality” > talent.
I say “nice personality” because Blake seems fake.
Pleeeeeaaaaazeeeeee! Not another moody Mara performance! Why is Hollywood trying to make her happen?! That place is already filled with entitled, snotty brats.
UGH! Can’t they use her sister instead? Kate is so much more likable. (And I really covet her hair!)
I so don’t get the Rooney Mara thing. It’s annoying to look at her.
Yes, we may all LIKE Blake more but Rooney is a superior actress. Say what you will about her personality, she was pretty sensational in Dragon Tattoo. Can you imagine Blake in that role? It would have been ridiculous.
I think Blake will be ok. I think she has resilience and some staying power. She’s still got time to do some better films, maybe some Indies to get credit and work her way up to better roles?
milquetoast, asexual and bland.
That’s how I feel. I cannot see her portraying “sexy.” To me she’s just an average looking skinny girl with very pale skin.
This sounds like another movie that portrays the military in a bad light. Hollywood just doesn’t get it. And Jude Law? For get about it. Millions of people in this country not only admire our military, but have served. If soldiers are portrayed as bad guys, this film will tank.
It’s a much better movie already without Blake Lively and her mumbling horrible amateurish ‘acting’. Good choice with Rooney!!!!
I’ve seen interviews with Rooney including an hour with Charlie Rose and the cast of Girl with Dragon Tatoo. She is very introverted. Every cast member and the director constantly praised her and she was clearly uncomfortable with the praise. I don’t think pointing out that Law @ Order is not high art makes her an ungrateful and entitled bitch. I think she’s a great actress and I have no problem that she’s not a famewhore.
She didn’t just say ‘a couple of comments about SVU’ she was snotty, stupid and ungrateful about that and nightmare on elm street. That i could write up as being a privileged girl inexperienced with hollywood. Bit annoying maybe but not a big deal. However the ‘I didn’t want the part, I was intentionally bad so i wouldn’t but (i was so good) I got it anyway’ THAT was the insufferable part for me. So yes I’m with Kaiser 100%. she’s a smug bitch.
But a better actress, so it doesn’t surprise me. Personality is important for us, it doesn’t seem to carry much weight in Hollywood, or any sort of stardom tbh.
“LIKE Lively more”
To be honest Lively is just aggravating to me immensely now for the exact reason you said. She’s an actress, her job is to ACT – very well – but since she smiles 24/7 and skips around happy people think she should get prime acting roles and deserves to be in amazing movies on personality alone.
Are you freaking kidding me?
So based on the Katherine Heigl post we’ve seen men with based personalities get a pass. Then on the other hand were supposed to despise people like Clooney’s new girlfriend because she’s actually happy and looks like she has fun – how dare she.
How about bubbly happy can’t act people don’t get amazing roles and bad tempered people with great acting skills do. Everyone gets judged on their ACTING, screw personality.
Good for Mara, may she go far. As for Blake, let her be the next Rachel Ray since she loves to bake and smile so much.
Finally an intelligent comment.
Not a huge fan of Blake, but I liked her in The Town. And I’d take Blake Lively over Rooney Mara any day!
I kinda like Blake as an actress. Her face is more interesting and expressive than most other women in Hollywood. She comes across as unique. Not beautiful but unique.
Mara has only had one role. I am willing to wait it out and she if she has the chops to justify the attituse. But I will say this, someone in her PR camp needs to tell her to go easy because she is replaceable.
Agree!
Nobody knows if Rooney has range or is versatile. It’s too early for a hype.
Also her involvement in the Soderbergh movie could mean a TGWTDT sequel won’t happen.
Actually Rooney has had several roles. Nightmare on Elm Street and Social Network…where I heard about her performance before I even saw the movie.
And the sequel for GWTDT has already been greenlighted, original cast has signed on, the only hold out right now is Fincher.
I wouldn’t bet on a sequel. The cast probably signed for the entire trilogy before release. The box office wasn’t good at all and Sony would be stupid to say otherwise because the studio knows the movie would lose viewer.
@Jeannie:The box office wasn’t that bad. It didn’t have have a big opening weekend, but it cost 90 million to make and is about to take in 200 million and maybe more. Especially considering this is an R rated film with sexual content, rape, and violence being released at Christmas time with films that were more suited for families. Entertainment weekly said Sony was going ahead with the sequels and that the cast had signed contracts to do them, and that Fincher might not be back because he’s working on a different movie.
@Tiffany Rooney been in three other roles; the social network, nightmare on elm street, and she was also in an indie called Tanner Hall, which from what i heard from the few who seen it she was very good in it. She’s a rising star who’s been in a couple of movie’s, but that doesn’t make her not talented.
Obviously i’d take Rooney over Blake any day.
Wait, Tiffany, do you mean you heard people raving about Mara’s performance in TSN?! I am sooo confused. There are no small parts, only small actors, yes … buuuuut Mara didn’t bring anything stellar to her part in TSN, imo. She had a good couple of chances in that opening scene and during her monologue in that restaurant scene and I personally remember forgetting about her the minute her screentime was up. Off topic, but the only performances I found memorable were Armie Hammer’s, Andrew Garfield’s, and even that guy who played the Winklevoss twins’ sidekick. Mara is getting way too much hype way too soon. Tanner Hall was a-ight. I get the impression so far that Mara plays varying shades of angsty in all the roles she takes on. She def appeals to younger audiences, obviously, but I actually agree with Tiffany#1, time will tell if Mara actually has range.
Blake was terrific in The Town.
Oh goooooood…replace one insufferable twat with another one. yeah…GOOD job. *eyeroll*
side note!!: i love reading this blog regardless. it’s the only celeb gossip site i bother with. but the personal opinions that don’t budge and get drilled into every story about certain people get a bit bothersome.
Agreed. It doesn’t matter that Blake has gotten the raw end of the deal here (she auditioned and the DIRECTOR liked what he saw), people are thrilled because they hate her. For once, I actually agree with Lainey’s take here. It isn’t fair to either girl but particularly to Blake. But the narrative that’s been set seems cast in stone. Such a shame.
Honey, it’s a BLOG, not a news website.
Rooney Mara only got the role due to the hype with her movie and her oscar nomination. She isn’t a brilliant actress in my opinion.Overrated big time.Indeed she is a try hard lol did anyone she what she wore to the Golden Globes? Coming dressed like lisebeth salander? Please she is boring without all that goth makeup and clothes. I understand she had to keep the hair and all but wearing all black? Those scary vampire-esque looks she keeps giving on the red carpet? Thats just strange.
All I can do is laugh. For all her good PR game, Lively can’t headline a serious movie. I’m not really a fan of Mara but I far prefer her over boring Blake.
Eww Rooney Mara looks very sickly in that red dress.Dress look like blood and her pale skin makes her look like a ghost or the creepy looking girl in those movies about haunted houses.
I’m ok with it.
All the times Rooney has been called snooty or ungrateful were because of quotes taken in written interviews that could have easily been taken out of context. In all the recorded video interviews she appears to be shy, gracious, and humble. She is clearly an introverted person and isn’t use to the attention she has been getting. I really think people have been too hard on her. She has proven to be a very capable actress and I’m looking forward to see where her career goes.
Uhh, I think a huge point is being missed here.
What about the fact that Channing Tatum is playing her HUSBAND!
Does Rooney LOOK compatible with Channing? Those two don’t even look like compatible lab partners in a science class.
Yikes.
does any one but me see the similarity of these 2 actresses to another…two older ones? example… one blond sleeps with ex amount of Hollywood actors, tabloid darling and got lucky to marry the big fish after staring on a popular sit com? the brunette actress who actually have talent gets the meaty movie roles, but most seems to dislike her. but she can act and deserves to be where she is without sleeping her way through Hollywood. and ends ups with the big fish. well.. talk about gossip.
I don’t know, if you’ve read the interview with David Fincher and Rooney together, it’s pretty creepy. I’d say the probability that they slept together is pretty high.
I don’t think the producer did anyone any favors. Soderbergh already made his choice and it was Blake. Now she was publicly ousted from a job with a top director. Also, Rooney, coming off of TGWTDT, is now considered second place to Blake fricking Lively and the only reason she is working with Soderbergh is a producer got her panties all in a wad. And now, a top director is looking like a b1tch who gets told how to run his movie. So yeah, it’s a no win for any involved.
Was it ever confirmed that Blake got the role though? I keep trying to find something, but can’t seem to get anything other than what seem to be hearsay.
I think we’ll know for sure if Soderbergh walks out of the movie – he’s not the type to get pushed around.
I don’t know if it was confirmed officially, but some pretty legit sources reported that Rooney was Blake’s replacement, like Hollywood Reporter and others. So, I think even if it wasn’t officially announced, those in Hollywood know what the deal is. And Soderbergh already quit Moneyball over a dispute with producers, didn’t he? But then that money got some Oscar noms. So I don’t know how tough his resolve is if he ever wants to make a movie again.
Hum, Blake Lively can be grating in interview too, she is just more subtile than Rooney. She is fake too. The “we do this for art” answer when they talked about her naked pictures on the today show (probably leaked by her publicist)was eye rolling.
Of course, the girl from gossip girl is doing this for ART people. You know, now that she was in like 10 minutes in the town (and probably in ben’s sack) she is an ARTIST, she’s earned it, she worked so hard!
And the “I don’t even want to be an actress, I prefer to open a restaurant” that’s why she is the new Harvey Weistein’s girl. Same when she talked how much she cherishes her privacy just several weeks before parading with Leo then Ryan.
Of course Rooney Mara said some dumbs things, she try way too hard. I thinks she tries to find a persona, to reinvent herself as the new young intense and edgy actress. That’s why she trashed her previous roles, she wanted to distance herself from it (and it’s was a pretty dumb move, more she talks about these previous jobs more we pay attention to them).
It’s not acceptable, it’s ungrateful and professional yes but she has time to learn and improve herself. Now, if in 5 years she keeps this attitude it’s another matter.
But Blake TRY hard too and she is also FAKE, she is the new “oh I’m a just sweet, wholesome california girl” when she seems more like the famewhore type who will debase herself to achieve her career goals at all costs.
And I don’t think it’s better than Rooney.
I think Blake and the jessicas, ashley green are cut from the same cloth.
No talent, just a good PR, IMHO.
I don’t hate Blake, I think she could be fine in romcoms, and as the girl in big action (and mindless) movies. Movies that I don’t watch. But she wants MORE. Like jessica biel or alba, she wants the prestigious movies. It’s great to be ambitious and to want to improve but if it’s your goal take acting classes for god’s sake.
It’s always bad when wodden actresses get cast in good movies and ruin it (Katie Holmes in Batman everyone?.
Blake tried for the great gabsy, gravity, oz the great and powerful, and dark knight rises. These are all movies I’m excited to watch and if she was in it… UGH, It would be terrible. She wanted Mila Kunis’s role in Black Swan, I know a lot of people didn’t like the movie, but I enjoyed it and I would have hated it with her. Just trying to imagine Blake mumbling her way through the film gave me chills.
Just stay away from these roles, “Sisterhood of the traveling pants” is the perfect vehicle for Blake, period.
In the perfect world, an actress with a bad attitude (rooney) shouldn’t happen in hollywood. And same for an actress with no talent (or a very limited acting range).
And Blake lively was good in the town? Come on now… She was not awful during her 10 minutes screen time but she was the weak link by far. The actress in the town was Rebecca Hall who has already proved herself (she was so much better than scarjo in vicky cristina barcelona) and it’s pained me to see how underrated when Blake Lively was on all the covers with a supporting role.
She reminds me of a budget Scarlett Johansson. SCARJO (ha!) was lucky at the beginning, she was watchable in good movies (lost translation, girl with pearl earring) and when she was cast in the right roles as the femme fatale (match point) it worked. But then she tried different type of roles and we started to see her limited acting range. And she was cast in a fin popcorn movie (ironman2) and was also the weak link whereas I’m sure Emily Blunt would have been awesome even with a limited screen time and an underdevelopped character (she was good after all in devil wears prada). Blake will problably get typecast as the white trash girl.
So Rooney is not my favorite but she is more capable and maybe she could be interesting if she grow out of this moody phase (keira knightley was the same years ago, I found her more grounded now, she she stepped out of the spotlight and seems more relaxed now). But why waste time with a limited actress like Blake and trying to give her chances (when she doesn’t seem to merit it talent wise) when there are plenty of talented and charming young actresses whithout her famewhore game. I have a hard time trying to imagine Blake Lively playing the sames roles as felicity jones, jessica chastain, mila kunis, emma stone, michelle williams, mia wasikowska, carey mulligan, anna kendrick, romola garai. UGH!
Wow that was a long post, to say nothing…
Of course you’re not a Blake hater!! Noooo
You just manage to believe and promulgate every rumor and innuendo about her on the blogosphere. While interpreting everything she says/does with the worst of intentions.
Some of us would like to see Blake or any other go for film roles critics on forums insist they MUST stay away from
At the same time you rationalise/justify every thing your fave Rooney does as a young girl -even though she’s older than Blake – acting out with this sermon
I also like you write Rooney has time to improve and grow in 5 years, Blake however is beyond salvation and focus on Sisters of the Travelling Pants 4 instead, sadly Rebecca Miller/Oliver Stone did not get this memo.
Of course ,you’re spot on! Blake should move to Georgia and anyone who offers her a role she MUST rescind lest she offends sensibilities.
Sarcasm/off
I’d rather see Rooney then Blake. I’d rather see a good actress then either one but between them sorry Blake is boring …
I’m okay with this casting. Mara annoyed the hell out of me, but at least she can act. I’m just not sure about the sexy thing!
Soderbergh’s casting choice has been really strange lately. But I’m okay with this, at least Mara can act, even she annoyed the hell out of me.
Mara’s probably a MUCH better actress than Blake, so why not choose someone who will boost your film up a few notches? Blake is okay for low key roles, but she’s not a good enough actress to get top roles, plain and simple. A good actress can really make the movie. Blake is boring, sorry.
Asexual. More Alien like and Dr. Spock is missing his child somewhere in the Galaxy and she needs to go home!!! I can not stand her!!! She looks like some snooty, cold, calculating alien serial killer. She is not attractive and has zero sex appeal.
Hmm, interesting. Looks like there’ll be no more Bleak – I mean Blake – and we’ll have to see the acting chops of Rudey – I mean Rooney.
cast the OTHER MARA SISTER instead. at least she’s beautiful. rooney is fugly and frightening
“But I simply LIKE Blake more. Blake is a professional, she carries herself like a young actress who is simply happy to work, and Blake’s interviews don’t make me want to punch her in the face.”
My work here is done.
Why is it that female actresses are expected to be ‘gracious’ and if they err, like Mara, they are castigated for it?
If the same behaviour was noted on a male actor, like Fassbender or Jack Nicholson, people wouldn’t make an issue of it.
As for my two cents. Lively is just mediocre and only good enough for rubbish like Gossip Girl (utter crap television).
Anyway one of the major reasons behind her casting may relate to her Oscar nomination as well.
Hollywood directors are so goddamn fickle and display more diva qualities than actresses. So the director’s decision is no real surprise here.
I’m sorry, but your first comment is BS. Did you not read the comments when Johnny Depp opens his mouth? Or the hate we spilled onto Marky Mark? As a female, you’re more likely to see comments directed at other females that you disagree with as victimization while ignoring any negative comments at men.
And Fake Blake thought brown nosing and Kissing up to the Married/taken A-List Actors/Directors would get her roles….The casting Couch doesn’t always pay…
I hate this girl. Shes such a prick. All her interviews is like Paris Hilton with a slightly higher IQ. This one at least can act-I guess she had the funds to properly learn. Its going to take awhile for people to like her since her billionaire background seems untrustworthy. She was an okay Lisbeth but Oscar nom? Noomi should’ve got the nom.