Nicola Coughlan’s Near Miss with Stranger Things Stardom
Bridgerton’s beloved Penelope Featherington, Irish actress Nicola Coughlan, has recently shared a fascinating tidbit from her career: she was incredibly close to landing a role in one of the most talked-about television series of the last decade, Stranger Things. The revelation came during a candid chat on Capital Breakfast Radio with hosts Jordan North, Chris Stark, and Sian Welby, where the Galway native casually dropped the bombshell that she had auditioned for a part in the global phenomenon.
Coughlan first captured the hearts of viewers with her electrifying performance as the perpetually anxious but utterly endearing Claire Devlin in the hit comedy series Derry Girls. Her portrayal in the show, which chronicled the lives of teenagers in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, garnered widespread acclaim and cemented her status as a rising star.
However, it appears that Coughlan was on the cusp of achieving an even greater level of international fame, having auditioned for the pivotal role of Robin Buckley in Stranger Things. This character, known for her sharp wit and distinctive personality, was eventually brought to life by Maya Hawke, who has since become a fan favourite.
Speaking about the audition process, Coughlan admitted that while she did participate in the initial stages, she doesn’t believe she was a strong contender for the part. “It would be being generous to myself to say I narrowly missed out on it,” she confessed. “I did a first round audition for Stranger Things.” She went on to affectionately praise Hawke’s performance, joking, “Well, thank God I didn’t get that because I would have been way worse,” and ultimately conceding that she never truly had a shot at the role.
The news quickly resonated with fans across social media platforms. While many expressed a touch of disappointment that Coughlan didn’t get the part, the overwhelming sentiment was that Maya Hawke was the perfect fit for Robin. Comments flooded in, with one fan writing, “Would have been nice, but Maya was meant to be Robin. As Nicola just stated.” Another echoed this sentiment, adding, “I’m sure you’d have been lovely, however, knowing that Maya Hawke is the reason we got lesbian Robin, I don’t think there was anyone better.” A third observer noted a potential character synergy, commenting, “I mean, Claire and Robin are very similar characters.”
This near-miss highlights the often unpredictable nature of casting in the entertainment industry. While Coughlan’s fans may ponder the “what if,” her subsequent success in Bridgerton, where she plays the intelligent and observant Penelope Featherington, has undoubtedly placed her firmly in the spotlight. Her role in the Regency-era drama has showcased her versatility and acting prowess, proving that her career trajectory continues to be one of immense promise and significant achievement. The world of television casting is a complex tapestry, and sometimes, the roles we almost get pave the way for the ones that truly define us. Coughlan’s experience serves as a reminder that even in the face of near misses, a dedicated performer’s talent will eventually find its rightful stage.
