Reese Witherspoon has quietly unveiled a long-lost chapter of casting intrigue — her near involvement in Big Eyes, Tim Burton’s 2014 biopic that portrayed the haunting true story of artist Margaret Keane. Once rumored to star opposite Ryan Reynolds, Witherspoon recently disclosed she had auditioned for a Burton film, aligning perfectly with early reports from 2012. Though Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz eventually led the film, this casting tale — rich with “what-if” wonder — offers a rare behind-the-curtain glimpse into Hollywood’s fickle creative turns.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Reese Witherspoon recently shared she auditioned for a Tim Burton film.

• Clues point to Big Eyes — a 2014 biopic about painter Margaret Keane.

• In 2012, Witherspoon and Ryan Reynolds were reportedly eyed for the lead roles.

• Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz were eventually cast instead.

• The reason for the casting shift was never officially revealed.

• Witherspoon reflects on the audition as a meaningful experience despite the outcome.

In the ever-shifting world of Hollywood casting, stories of what could’ve been often linger longer than the films that eventually get made. A recent revelation from actress Reese Witherspoon has stirred fresh interest in one such story — a missed opportunity to lead one of Tim Burton’s rare biographical dramas, Big Eyes.

Though the film, which released in 2014, ultimately starred Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz, an earlier version of the project may have looked very different. According to past reports and Witherspoon’s recent remarks, she was once considered — and even auditioned — for the lead role of painter Margaret Keane.

A Curious Career Crossroads

While appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Witherspoon made an understated confession that quietly points to Big Eyes, without explicitly naming the title.

“I auditioned for Tim Burton once,” she shared. “I didn’t get it, but I was glad I did it. I think he’s amazing; I think he’s worthy of any kind of big effort to try and get the job.”

Though brief, her comment carries weight. It subtly gestures toward a project that once held promise of reshaping her on-screen persona — a move into darker, more nuanced territory under the direction of an auteur known for his gothic storytelling.

Connecting the Dots

Given the timeline and the nature of the film she describes — a Burton biopic, auditioned for years ago — many have reasonably concluded she was referring to Big Eyes, the 2014 film based on the life of American artist Margaret Keane. Keane became known for her paintings of wide-eyed figures, though her husband Walter falsely claimed authorship for years.

Back in 2012, Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter reported that Tim Burton was circling Witherspoon and Ryan Reynolds to headline the project. At the time, both stars were in transitional phases of their careers. Witherspoon, though already well-established, was seeking complex roles beyond her romantic-comedy fame. Reynolds, meanwhile, was expanding into more dramatic and character-driven work.

The Pairing That Never Was

Had the casting gone through, Big Eyes could have marked an unexpected onscreen pairing between Witherspoon and Reynolds — a coupling that surely would’ve drawn both critical and popular attention. But before cameras ever rolled, the cast shifted.

Amy Adams eventually stepped into the role of Margaret Keane, and Christoph Waltz took on the role of Walter Keane. Both were praised for their performances, with Adams in particular receiving recognition for her portrayal of the quiet yet resolute artist.

Yet for fans and industry insiders alike, the early buzz surrounding Witherspoon and Reynolds remains a curious footnote in the film’s history. Why the change occurred has never been publicly explained. There were no reports of conflict or scheduling issues, only a quiet pivot in casting — one of many such decisions that shape a movie long before it reaches audiences.

A Career That Keeps Evolving

For Witherspoon, the audition itself seemed to hold more value than the outcome. Her comments suggest respect for Burton’s work and a willingness to take creative risks, even if they don’t always result in a role.

“I think he’s amazing,” she said. “I think he’s worthy of any kind of, you know, big effort to try and get the job.”

It’s worth noting that Witherspoon’s career has continued to evolve in the years since Big Eyes. From producing successful shows like Big Little Lies to portraying layered roles in projects like Wild and The Morning Show, she has more than proven her range.

Still, the thought of her tackling the emotionally restrained, visually haunting world of Big Eyes offers an intriguing alternate history. The same goes for Reynolds, whose career later leaned into meta-superhero fame with Deadpool — a far cry from Burton’s brooding biopic aesthetic.

When Hollywood Almost Gave Us the Unexpected

The entertainment industry is built as much on what doesn’t happen as what does. For every film that makes it to screen, countless versions live and die in the pre-production stages. In the case of Big Eyes, we got a polished, award-nominated film with acclaimed performances. But we also nearly saw Witherspoon and Reynolds break new ground together in roles that could have redefined audience expectations.

Sometimes, Hollywood gives us the dream team. And sometimes, it simply reminds us how close we came.

While Big Eyes ultimately showcased powerful performances from Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz, the near casting of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Reynolds remains a captivating footnote in its legacy. Witherspoon’s recent comments revive interest in what could have been a striking on-screen transformation for both actors under Tim Burton’s direction. Though the pairing never materialized, the story serves as a reminder of the many unseen turns behind Hollywood’s final cut — where even the most promising combinations can vanish before the camera rolls.

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