During recent interviews for the theatrical release ofBeetlejuice2, Winona Ryder opened up about some of her past film roles, includingHeathers, admitting that she almost turned down one of the most iconic roles of her career.The role of Veronica Sawyer inHeathersis one of Winona Ryder’s most notable, but she almost didn’t play the part. When she was offered the role back in the late 1980s, Winona’s agent’begged’her not to take the role due to its dark nature, claiming that it would ruin her career before it had even begun.
Since the film’s initial release in 1989, it has become a cult classic in its own right. AlthoughHeathersdidn’t perform well at the box office, it has since become a lot more popular in recent years, showcasing the range of Winona Ryder’s acting abilities.Heatherswas adapted into a Broadway musicalin 2010 and has gained different interpretations over the years. This has made Winona Ryder’s role of Verona Sawyer even more iconic and nostalgic, with audiencescomparing the originalHeathersto the stage adaptation.
Winona Ryder Almost Didn’t Play Veronica In Heathers
The Role Was So Dark That It Put The Future Of Her Career At Risk
ForBazar, Winona Ryder explained how the role of Veronica Sawyer came to be. During the audition process forHeathers,Winona Ryder faced many challenges in gaining the role of Veronica Sawyer. Her first challenge came when the casting directors didn’t think she was"pretty enough"to play the role. Because of this, the actress raced to the Macy’s counter across the road to get a makeover. She then went back to the casting directors, after which the role was officially offered to her.
However, once Winona was offered the role, her agent apparently begged her not to accept the job. According to her agent, the dark themes ofHeatherswere offensive in Hollywood. He feared the film would have ruined Winona’s career before she even began. Ryder admitted that she was fired from another job around the same time asHeathersbecause the creative team found offense to the themes of the film. Winona Ryder had to choose between listening to her agent or following her own path and choosing the role she wanted to play.
Winona Went Against Her Agent And Played The Role Anyway
Her Choice Led To Her Playing One Of Her Most Iconic Film Roles
Winona’s choice to play Veronica Sawyer inHeatherswas probably one of the best of her career. The film is a favorite among audiences, and it also showcases her talents.Beetlejuicewas released in 1988, the year beforeHeathers, allowing audiences to see Winona as a goth teen.Heathersgave audiences a chance to view Ryder in a new light, as a delicate figure while also being a strong character. Audiences were also able to see Winona Ryder in a romantic role for the first time, paired with Christian Slater, leading to her future roles in films likeMermaids.
(… ) more people are probably seeing Winona Ryder in the role of Veronica today than back in 1989 when the film was first released.
Despite the film being released in 1989,Winona Ryder’s appearance inHeathershas contributed to her remaining relevant today. The audiences of the stage show could feel inclined to go back and watch the original film, allowing them to see Ryder in the role. As well as this, the fact thatHeathersis a cult film means that there has been a surge in viewing figures for the film in the years after its release. This means that more people are probably seeing Winona Ryder in the role of Veronica today than back in 1989 when the film was first released.
The Legacy Of Veronica Sawyer Still Lives On Today
The Popular Character Has Been Adapted For Stage
When deciding whether or not to take on the role of Veronica Sawyer inHeathers, it is clear thatWinona Ryder made the right choice.Not only has the original film gained a mass following in the years following its release in 1989, but a Broadway musical of the film has been adapted for the stage, making the concept ofHeathersmore popular today than ever. The musical is so popular that it is selling out during its current 2024 UK tour. Eventelevision shows such asRiverdalehave parodied the musical version ofHeathersin a special musical episode.
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Delia and Lydia’s relationship evolved ahead of Beetlejuice 2, but their bond was presented in ways I didn’t expect for Tim Burton’s sequel.
The character of Veronica Swayer is still relevant, which is a huge achievement for a character that first appeared in a film 35 years ago. Despite the initial difficulties, by allowing herself to be involved in the filmHeathers, Winona Ryder has been part of something so special and iconic that is loved even more in today than when it was first released.
Heathers
Cast
Heathers is a dark comedy film directed by Michael Lehmann, featuring Winona Ryder as Veronica Sawyer and Christian Slater as J.D. Released in 1989, the story delves into high school social hierarchies and the consequences of rebelling against popular cliques. The film addresses themes of teen angst, peer pressure, and the impact of destructive behavior within a satirical framework.
