In a recent interview, Shailene Woodley, known for her roles in The Fault in Our Stars and Divergent, revealed a surprising twist in her career: she nearly turned down her role in HBO’s Big Little Lies. As fans know, her portrayal of Jane Chapman in the star-studded show left a mark on audiences worldwide and earned her a whole new level of critical acclaim. However, as Woodley shared, she initially had serious reservations about joining the project.
The actress admitted that when the role of Jane was first offered to her, she hesitated, feeling that the intense, deeply emotional character might not align with her current career path. As she explained, she was navigating some challenging moments in her personal and professional life. The demanding nature of the character, coupled with the dramatic themes in Big Little Lies, made her wonder if she was ready to take on such a powerful yet exhausting role.
It was a simple, heartfelt conversation with co-star Laura Dern that changed everything. According to Woodley, Dern, a seasoned Hollywood icon and fellow Big Little Lies cast member, sensed her hesitation and gave her honest advice: “It’s a massive mistake to pass on this.” Dern’s words struck a chord, as she encouraged Woodley to see the role as an opportunity that could shape her career and even impact her personally.
“Laura reminded me of the importance of taking risks, even when they scare you,” Woodley said. She realized that portraying Jane Chapman—a mother who confronts painful experiences while fighting for her son’s future—could allow her to tap into new emotional depths as an actress. She took the plunge, and as it turns out, Dern’s prediction couldn’t have been more accurate.
Joining Big Little Lies not only opened new doors for Woodley professionally, but also gave her the chance to work closely with a cast of powerhouse women, including Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Zoë Kravitz, and, of course, Dern. The show became a cultural sensation and won multiple awards, cementing itself as one of the most talked-about series of its time. The role of Jane allowed Woodley to showcase her dramatic range and brought her a fresh wave of acclaim, cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents.
Reflecting on the experience, Woodley shared, “Big Little Lies forever changed my life. The story, the character, the friendships—everything about it was transformative.” She credits her relationship with Dern and the guidance she received from her as critical to the success she found on the show.
For fans and aspiring actors, Woodley’s story is a reminder that sometimes the roles that scare you the most are the ones you need to embrace. After all, it’s those unexpected paths and bold choices that can make all the difference.