by Anna Kendrick skyrocketed to fame with her hilarious performance as Beca in the Pitch Perfect films, but even this mega-talented actress has some regrets when it comes to her career choices. In a recent candid interview, Kendrick opened up about passing on the lead role of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games franchise – a decision she still kicks herself for today.
“I was sent the script and I was obsessed with it. I wanted to do it so badly but I just got scared,” she admitted. “I convinced myself that I wasn’t ready for something that big and it was stupid. A real knucklehead decision.”
Looking back, Kendrick says she was “too young, too insecure” and just didn’t have the confidence at that point in her career to take on such an intense starring role.
“I mean, it’s The Hunger Games!” she said with a laugh. “Suzanne Collins, an epic trilogy, giant fanbase. I would have to carry those movies. I freaked myself out and said no.”
Of course, the coveted part ended up going to Jennifer Lawrence, who shot to superstardom after the first Hunger Games film smashed box office records. Kendrick says she doesn’t harbor any resentment toward Lawrence, but the ‘what ifs’ still haunt her.
“Jen is so amazing and she fully deserved that life-changing role. But I’d be lying if I said I don’t think about it constantly. I wonder if my career would be different now if I had just taken the risk and said yes,” she mused.
“Maybe I would have won an Oscar like Jen or starred in a massive franchise. Or maybe I would have screwed it up royally, who knows,” she continued with a shrug. “I try not to beat myself up over it but it’s definitely the one that got away.”
Kendrick was only 24 when she made the fateful choice to decline The Hunger Games, an age where insecurity and self-doubt tend to rule decision-making. She says looking back now in her 30s, she wishes she had more confidence in herself.
“I was just terrified of failing on such a big stage or disappointing people. I thought I didn’t have what it takes to lead a major franchise so I ran away,” she revealed.
“Now I know I had no reason to be so unsure of myself. If I could go back and have a chat with my 24-year-old self, I would tell her to say yes and know you got this. Don’t let fear hold you back.”
So why is Kendrick only now opening up about this career regret she’s held close to the vest for years? She says it’s about being honest.
“Everybody assumes I’ve always made the right choices and had unwavering confidence. But that’s just not true,” she said. “I’ve second-guessed myself many times. I want young actors to know it’s okay to make mistakes and even turn down huge opportunities because you’re afraid. It’s all part of the journey.”
Kendrick also hopes speaking openly will remind others not to be so hard on themselves.
“Beating yourself up over the past never gets you anywhere. Trust me, I’ve done it a million times! The Katniss thing will always be my big career ‘what if,’ but looking back with regret changes nothing,” she said wisely.
“You just have to accept the path you took and make peace with it. Learn from it sure, but don’t waste time wishing for a different outcome. Just focus on the opportunities in front of you right now.”
The bright side for Kendrick is she clearly has no shortage of exciting projects ahead of her. The 37-year-old has been acting consistently since making her film debut in 2003 and has over 50 acting credits to her name, including an Tony nomination for her Broadway musical debut.
Up next, she’s co-starring with Bill Hader in Disney+’s Christmas flick Noelle and has three other films in post-production, including the sci-fi thriller Alice, Darling in which she plays a woman trapped in an abusive relationship.
Kendrick is also flexing her producing muscles more, developing female-driven stories through her production company Let’s Go Again with partner Ashley Synott. On top of acting and producing, she also finds time to host her successful podcast Cup of Joe.
So while Kendrick will always wonder ‘what if’ when it comes to Katniss Everdeen and The Hunger Games, clearly she hasn’t let the past dictate her future. Although she admits her self-doubt likely cost her the career-defining role of a lifetime, she chooses to take the mature perspective.
“You can’t change the past so just keep moving forward, learn from your mistakes, and remember your worth has nothing to do with one role,” she said. “I try to live by that now.”
Kendrick’s honesty and willingness to own her regrets is both refreshing and inspiring. Her revelation makes her all the more relatable and proves that even mega-stars grapple with insecurity and fear.
Most importantly, her candid look back serves as a reminder that comparing yourself to others is fruitless. The grass often looks greener in hindsight but, as Kendrick shows, the path not taken is irrelevant. The only thing that matters is making the most of the road you’re on right now.
