She-Hulk Star Tatiana Maslany Was Once Rejected From This Other Marvel Role
"She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” is the latest addition to Marvel's line of television shows on Disney+, and one that marks the Marvel Cinematic Universe's first attempt at a half-hour comedy series (via Entertainment Weekly). Indeed, among the series' unusual influences is Phoebe Waller-Bridge's "Fleabag," an irreverent comedy-drama series well known for breaking the fourth wall and an emphasis on black comedy. Like "Fleabag," much of "She-Hulk" revolves around the life and struggles of the show's titular character: attorney Jennifer Walters, played by MCU newcomer Tatiana Maslany.
Prior to landing the titular role in "She-Hulk," Maslany was perhaps best-known for playing numerous identical clones in the Canadian sci-fi thriller "Orphan Black," each of whom comes from a remarkably different background and lifestyle. The incredible range she displayed in this series earned her an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a drama series in 2016 (via IMDb), and there's no doubt that she will put that immense acting talent to good use in the MCU's newest project.
Similar to the way that "She-Hulk" itself is breaking new ground for the MCU, the series also marks Maslany's first venture into Marvel's hugely successful superhero franchise — though some fans might be surprised to learn that Maslany almost landed another role in a major Marvel project, one that is about as dissimilar to "She-Hulk" as you can possibly imagine.
Maslany was rejected from Venom's girlfriend in Venom
During an appearance on Scott Aukerman's podcast "Comedy Bang Bang," Tatiana Maslany revealed that she had actually been rejected from the 2018 Marvel-Sony collaboration "Venom," in which she auditioned to play "Venom's girlfriend."
"I've been trying to get them. They rejected me multiple times," the actor explained. "'Venom,' not for Venom, unfortunately, but for Venom's girlfriend or whatever." Although Maslany did not specify exactly which character she was rejected for, it's likely that she was referring to Anne Weying, Eddie Brock's (Tom Hardy) ex-fiancee, who is played by Michelle Williams.
Hilariously, it just so happens that Weying is also an attorney, and (though she is admittedly less green than Maslany's She-Hulk) even ends up becoming "She-Venom." As interesting as it might have been to see the prolific actor join Sony's Spider-Man Universe, we have to assume that Maslany is not too upset about her rejection from "Venom" after scoring the lead role in "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law."