Greta Lee recounts difficult casting process for ‘Past Lives’

Actress Greta Lee has shared details regarding the difficult casting process for the Oscar-nominated film ‘Past Lives’. Speaking on the ‘Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend’ podcast, Lee described the journey to landing the lead role of Nora as a “messy ride” that involved multiple setbacks.

Lee revealed that she initially hesitated to audition due to being intimidated by the requirement to speak Korean onscreen. During the first round of casting, she was told she was not selected because she was considered “too old” compared to the male co-lead being considered at the time.

Lee also recounted a “publicly humiliating” misunderstanding involving producer Scott Rudin. She received a voicemail from Rudin’s office inviting her to a lunch meeting at Cafe Cluny in New York City, which she initially believed was a confirmation that she had secured the role. However, after reviewing the message with her agents, she realized the invitation was actually intended for filmmaker Greta Gerwig.