Saoirse Ronan has carved out a strong career in Hollywood with her impressive performances in films like Atonement, Brooklyn, and Lady Bird. Despite being a household name and one of the most talented young actors in the industry, Saoirse has maintained her focus on diverse and complex roles, even if that means passing on major franchises. In a recent interview, she shared her desire to dive into a big role within the Bond universe—as a villain.
Early Oscar Memories: Dressing Without a Stylist
Looking back on her first Oscar nomination for Atonement in 2008, Saoirse, then only 13, recalls the excitement and challenges of preparing for Hollywood’s biggest night. Unlike today, where stylists dress stars for such events, she was on her own for that first Oscar experience. “We didn’t have a stylist then,” she says. “Finding a dress was stressful.” Although she felt the pressure of the red carpet, it was still a thrilling moment for her and her family. Saoirse’s mom, a massive Saturday Night Fever fan, even had a dream come true when she got to meet John Travolta, making the experience all the more memorable.
Why Saoirse Hasn’t Taken on Blockbuster Franchise Roles
While Saoirse is open to major commercial films, she explains that the roles she’s offered are often less interesting or feel secondary to the main story. Rather than being “just a bystander,” she prefers to be “right in the thick of it.” For her, the substance of the role matters more than the scale of the film, which is why she has consistently gravitated toward the depth of independent films, where she can fully explore her characters.
Yet Saoirse admitted she’d love to play a memorable villain in a large-scale production, particularly in the Bond franchise. She’s drawn to the complexity of Bond villains, noting, “There’s a lot to work on, which I like. The characters are very interesting. I think it would be cool to have a female villain who wants to take Bond down and doesn’t just want to fall in love with him.”
First Steps as a Director: A Short Film in Progress
Saoirse has also started experimenting behind the camera and is working on a short film she’s directing. Although she hasn’t revealed much about the plot, she hinted that it will feature women and perhaps even a dog. As for her own dog, Stella, Saoirse doubts her pet’s patience for a film set, noting Stella’s laid-back personality. “Stella’s a very chill dog, so I don’t know if she has what it takes to follow through with a performance,” she laughs. Despite the uncertainty about the project’s completion, it’s clear that Saoirse is excited to explore the director’s role in her career.
With her eyes set on ambitious goals—like playing a Bond villain and stepping into directing—Saoirse Ronan is proving that her talent and drive are boundless, making her a fascinating talent to follow in Hollywood.
