Rooney Mara wants to return as Lisbeth Salander but isn’t “holding out hope”

Last Updated on July 31, 2021

For many, Rooney Mara will be their Lisbeth Salander. Noomi Rapace did a marvelous job in the original, but the American remake was many people's first introduction to the character, and resulted in an Oscar nomination for Mara. The main difference between Rapace and Mara is that the former actually got to finish her journey with the character, following up THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO with THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE and THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST (as well as a TV miniseries, MILLENNIUM in 2010). Sadly, Mara may not be able to complete the same quest.

She sat down with Screen Daily to talk about her new movie UNA, and in the end was asked if she was still willing to take on the role of Salander in case they decide to do a sequel:

“Yes, I’m still open to it but I’m not holding out hope any more.”

Blunt…quite blunt indeed.

Her words may sadden many, but it shouldn’t be a surprise. Though the remake won rave reviews and made $102 million at the box office ($232 million globally) the prospect of a sequel with Mara and Daniel Craig has long since been said is dead in the water. Many rumors have swirled that a big reason why we may not get a sequel is because Craig has demanded a much higher salary. We here even did a “Cast This” around Lisbeth Salander, as the prospect of recasting any future movies becomes a greater possibility.

Mara’s words will probably deepen the doubt any fans have of seeing a sequel with her any time soon, resulting in many tears. I am one of those people, as I felt Mara’s performance was on-par with Rapace’s, if not better. I’ve longed for a sequel with her and Craig, but as the years go by the light at the end of that tunnel becomes less and less bright. Much like Mara, it may not be wise to hold onto any hope. In fact, that’s a very Lisbeth Salander thing to say. Damn you, universe!

You can see Mara in UNA with Riz Ahmed and Ben Mendelsohn in theaters now.