Cailee Spaeny, known for her role in Alien: Romulus, once revealed her first collaboration with Sofia Coppola that unfortunately did not come to fruition was for an eventually scrapped version of The Little Mermaid. The actress recounted her experience with Empire, mentioning that her first-ever callback was through Coppola for this project. She sent in a unique self-tape with no dialogue, showcasing her talent in a very strange and avant-garde manner. This missed opportunity was a significant moment in Spaeny’s career, setting the stage for future collaborations with the acclaimed director.
In 2017, Spaeny auditioned for Coppola’s film, The Beguiled, which starred A-list actors such as Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Colin Farrell, and Elle Fanning. Unfortunately, the role did not work out for her, leaving her feeling crushed. Spaeny expressed her admiration for Coppola, citing her as a director she had always admired, especially as a young girl from a conservative background. Coppola’s unique approach to storytelling and her focus on young women resonated with Spaeny on a personal level, making this missed opportunity even more disappointing for her.
Despite the missed opportunities with The Little Mermaid and The Beguiled, it was through these experiences that Spaeny eventually landed her breakout role as Priscilla Presley in the 2023 film about Elvis Presley. After meeting with Coppola in New York for coffee and discussing the role, Spaeny was thrilled to take on this new challenge. The role of Priscilla was a turning point in her career, showcasing her talent and range as an actress.
During the filming of Civil War, Spaeny received tips from Kirsten Dunst on how to adjust to working with Coppola. Dunst, who had previously collaborated with the director, prepared Spaeny for the relaxed and chill environment on Coppola’s set, contrasting with the intense filming experience of Civil War. With Coppola playing music and creating a calming atmosphere, Spaeny was able to fully immerse herself in the role of Priscilla Presley.
In 2014, Coppola was involved in a project to develop a live-action version of The Little Mermaid, based on the original fairy tale and not the Disney version. The project, which was set to be a darker adaptation, fell through due to concerns about its appeal to older male audiences. A studio executive questioned how the film would resonate with older men, leading to the project’s demise. Coppola’s vision for the story ultimately clashed with the studio’s expectations, highlighting the challenges of creative collaboration in the industry.
Cailee Spaeny’s journey with Sofia Coppola has been filled with ups and downs, from missed opportunities to breakout roles. Despite the setbacks, Spaeny’s perseverance and talent have allowed her to thrive in the industry, with her collaboration with Coppola marking a significant chapter in her career. As she continues to expand her repertoire and work on new projects, Spaeny’s experience with Coppola has undoubtedly shaped her as an actress and contributed to her growth in the film industry.
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