Inglourious Basterds is not just one of Quentin Tarantino’s best films, It’s one of the best revenge flicks around. But now, Diane Kruger has just revealed that Tarantino didn’t want her in the actress’ pivotal role. 

The film is a star studded cast, filled with iconic scenes. However, Kruger’s scenes as Bridget von Hammersmark are the definition of edge-of-your-seat cinema. 

On an episode of the Reign With Josh Smith podcast, the actress revealed that Hollywood powerhouse Quentin Tarantino “didn’t believe in [her] from the get-go.”

“He auditioned everyone. He didn’t want to audition me because he saw a movie that I was in he didn’t like”

Love Film & TV?

Get the latest Film & TV news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more

“Literally, the only reason he auditioned me is because there was no one left to audition,” explained Kruger. 

“I had to pay for my own flight from New York to go to Germany because he wouldn’t, even though, obviously, he’s American. But he wouldn’t see me in the US. So I had to jump through all these hoops that definitely put my nose out of joint. But I was like, ‘You know what? F**k him! I’m just gonna do that and prove to him that I can do it’. And thankfully that all worked out.”

And workout it did. The result was a film that was nominated for 8 Academy Awards. Diane Kruger herself was nominated for best actress in a supporting role at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. 

“I think for him, too, that must have been a lesson. Sometimes you are the one that puts – and I’m sure I’m guilty of that too – you put people in boxes. You think they’re gonna be one way and they’re not at all.”

Though this seems to imply a difficult working relationship between them, Kruger has stated previously that working with Tarantino was “pure joy” and that he treated her with “utter respect.”

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine