Nicholas Galitzine recently shared a memorable anecdote about his audition for the acclaimed 2017 film Dunkirk, directed by Christopher Nolan. Dunkirk, a gripping World War II drama, received widespread critical acclaim and multiple Oscar nominations, including nods for Best Picture and Best Director.
Galitzine, a rising British actor known for his role in Red, White, and Royal Blue, revealed that he reached an advanced stage in the audition process for Dunkirk. He was invited to a script read with Nolan, but encountered an unexpected twist during the session. When Nolan began reading a scene that differed from what Galitzine had prepared, the actor found himself momentarily stunned. He eventually mustered the courage to address the discrepancy, humorously recounting the moment as a mix-up between the provided scene and the actual script.
At the time of his Dunkirk audition, Galitzine was a relatively unknown talent in his early 20s, with limited acting credits to his name. Despite the missed opportunity with Dunkirk, Galitzine has since made a name for himself with notable roles in streaming hits like Red, White, and Royal Blue and Purple Hearts, as well as the teen comedy Bottoms.
While Galitzine may have missed out on Dunkirk, the film did introduce audiences to other emerging talents. Irish actor Barry Keoghan, who appeared in a supporting role in Dunkirk, used the film as a springboard to further success in the industry. Keoghan's career has flourished with roles in films such as The Banshees of Inisherin and The Green Knight, culminating in his acclaimed performance in the 2023 hit Saltburn.
Notably, Dunkirk also marked the acting debut of former One Direction member Harry Styles. Styles' involvement in the film, alongside seasoned actors like Mark Rylance, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, and Kenneth Branagh, added to the ensemble's diverse talent pool. Despite mixed reviews for his subsequent film projects, Styles' role in Dunkirk remains a standout moment in his evolving acting career.
Overall, Dunkirk's narrative of wartime heroism and survival, depicting the harrowing evacuation of Allied soldiers surrounded by the German army, continues to resonate with audiences as a testament to courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
