Greta Lee's "Past Lives" Battle: Rudin Mix-up Humiliation

Greta Lee has shared the arduous path to her breakout role in the critically acclaimed film "Past Lives." The actress revealed on a podcast that she faced significant challenges and rejections over several years while vying for the part of Nora. Initially, Lee was hesitant to audition, finding the prospect of speaking Korean on screen intimidating.

After her initial audition, Lee was told she was too old for the role, as a younger male Korean actor had been cast as her co-lead. This casting ultimately fell apart, and the project returned almost a year later. During this period, Lee received a voicemail from Scott Rudin's office, setting up a lunch meeting. Excitedly believing she had secured the role, Lee and her agents later realized the message was intended for Greta Gerwig, a moment Lee described as publicly humiliating.

Despite these setbacks and her desire to be left alone from the project, Lee was eventually cast as the lead. "Past Lives" went on to receive two Oscar nominations. Greta Gerwig, when asked, had no recollection of the specific lunch meeting with Rudin. Lee is set to appear in Netflix's "The Last House" and "Late Fame."