Elizabeth Olsen Reveals Her “Most Awful Experience”—And It Involves a Major Audition

Elizabeth Olsen, known for her portrayal of Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and her standout role in Martha Marcy May Marlene, has had a remarkable career filled with both critically acclaimed roles and blockbuster successes. However, even with such achievements, Olsen has openly shared that not all of her professional experiences have been smooth sailing. In fact, one audition, in particular, stands out as what she describes as her “most awful experience.”

A Career Rooted in Diversity

Olsen’s acting journey began in a family well-versed in the entertainment industry. Her older sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley, were famous child stars turned fashion designers, but Elizabeth carved her own path. After graduating from New York University in 2013, she swiftly gained recognition for her roles in both independent films and major franchises. While she is now celebrated for her work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Olsen’s career also spans critically acclaimed indie films, such as Martha Marcy May Marlene, showing her range and commitment to complex characters.

However, as many actors know, not every experience in Hollywood is glamorous or successful.

The Audition for Game of Thrones – A Mortifying Experience

The experience Olsen describes as her “most awful” took place early in her career: an audition for the role of Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO series Game of Thrones. This audition, which she has referred to as “awful” and “mortifying,” became a moment she looks back on with discomfort. The audition process took place in a small room in New York, with only a camera and the assistant to the casting director present to read the script. Olsen was asked to perform Daenerys’ famous speech, the one where she emerges from the fire as the “Mother of Dragons,” a scene filled with intensity and emotional depth.

In a 2019 interview on Live with Kelly and Ryan, Olsen revealed her feelings of self-doubt during the audition. “I should have [stopped it]. I think I would now,” she admitted, reflecting on the situation. “I’d be, ‘I don’t think I’m going to do this any justice… hopefully, call me back at a different time for something else.'” This candid comment reveals the discomfort Olsen felt, as she questioned her ability to deliver the emotionally charged performance demanded of her.

Ultimately, she did not receive a callback for the role, which further cemented her feelings of failure and disappointment in that moment. The Game of Thrones role ultimately went to Emilia Clarke, who went on to portray the character to worldwide acclaim. Olsen’s lack of a callback served as a harsh reminder of the competitive nature of Hollywood and the personal challenges actors often face in the audition process.

A Defining Moment of Vulnerability

Olsen’s reflection on this experience provides a rare glimpse into the vulnerabilities of even the most successful actors. In a 2021 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she discussed the audition in greater detail, emphasizing how it has stayed with her over the years. Her willingness to open up about this setback adds an unexpected layer to her public persona, showing that even highly successful stars have their share of struggles and moments of self-doubt.

The audition for Game of Thrones wasn’t just a missed opportunity—it was a pivotal moment in Olsen’s development as an actress. Her growth is evident, especially as she later reflected on how she might approach similar situations differently now. This experience taught her valuable lessons in resilience and self-awareness, showing how she has evolved both personally and professionally.

Comparisons to Other Career Hurdles

To fully understand why the Game of Thrones audition stands out, it’s helpful to examine Olsen’s other career experiences. In interviews, she has discussed various challenges on set, particularly during the filming of Love & Death in 2023. However, these challenges were framed as professional obstacles, not as personal failures. Similarly, in a 2022 interview with The Talks, she mentioned the general “horrifying” nature of starting out in the industry, but nothing she mentioned carried the same weight of regret or discomfort as the Game of Thrones audition.

Olsen’s comments on these other experiences suggest that, while every job in Hollywood comes with its difficulties, the Game of Thrones audition stands as a particularly painful moment, one that she continues to reflect on with mixed emotions.

The Takeaway: A Lesson in Growth

Olsen’s openness about her “most awful experience” provides a valuable lesson in humility and growth. In an industry where rejection is often the norm, Olsen’s ability to share her vulnerabilities shows the importance of resilience. Despite facing setbacks, she has risen to become one of the most respected actresses of her generation, with a career that spans both blockbuster franchises and deeply personal, indie films. Her experience in auditioning for Game of Thrones serves as a reminder that even the most successful actors face moments of failure, but it is how they handle those moments that shapes their careers.

In the end, Olsen’s journey reflects the importance of persistence and the willingness to learn from difficult experiences. As her career continues to evolve, it’s clear that her growth as an actress is not just defined by the roles she lands, but by the way she handles the challenges she encounters along the way.