Lucy Hale Reveals She Auditioned for The Substance, Hannah Montana, and Fifty Shades of Grey

Lucy Hale, best known for her breakout role as Aria Montgomery in Pretty Little Liars, has revealed that she once auditioned for roles in The Substance, Hannah Montana, and Fifty Shades of Grey. The actress, who has consistently showcased her versatility in both television and film, opened up about her past auditions in a recent interview with Buzzfeed, shedding light on the roles that could have drastically altered the trajectory of her career.

Auditioning for Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades of Grey

One of the most surprising revelations was that Hale auditioned for the lead role of Anastasia Steele in the 2015 film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey. The role, which eventually went to Dakota Johnson, was highly coveted, with several well-known actresses—including Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Olsen, Shailene Woodley, Felicity Jones, and Emilia Clarke—either auditioning or being considered for the part. Clarke later admitted she turned it down due to the film’s extensive nudity requirements.

Hale described her audition as “really uncomfortable” due to the provocative nature of the material. While she did not go into detail about the specifics of her audition, she previously mentioned in an interview with The Associated Press that it was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of her career.

The Hannah Montana Role That Went to Miley Cyrus

Before finding fame with Pretty Little Liars, Hale auditioned for the lead role in Hannah Montana, the Disney Channel series that ultimately made Miley Cyrus a household name. Given Hale’s wholesome image and Southern roots, she seemed like a strong contender for the part, but Cyrus’s natural charisma and musical background gave her the edge.

Looking back, it’s fascinating to consider how Hale’s career might have evolved had she been cast as the pop-star-turned-teenager. While Cyrus went on to dominate both music and television, Hale found success in a different lane, opting for darker, more dramatic roles over the years.

The Mystery Behind The Substance Audition

While Hale also revealed that she auditioned for The Substance, she did not provide additional details about the role she pursued.

The Substance is an Oscar-nominated psychological horror film directed by Coralie Fargeat, stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid. The film grossed over $75 million at the box office on a $18 million budget.

Had Hale landed a role in the film, it would have added another psychological thriller to her repertoire, which already includes projects like Truth or Dare and Ragdoll. Although she ultimately didn’t secure the part, her interest in the project signals a continued push toward more intense and mature storytelling.

A Career Defined by Reinvention

Hale’s candid revelations about these high-profile auditions highlight her willingness to take risks and step outside of the roles audiences have come to associate her with. Whether it was the sensual intensity of Fifty Shades of Grey, the Disney stardom of Hannah Montana, or the horror-infused drama of The Substance, each role represented a dramatically different path for the actress.

Despite missing out on these opportunities, Hale has built an impressive career, balancing commercial success with independent projects that showcase her depth as an actress. Whether leading romantic comedies like The Hating Game or tackling psychological thrillers, she has proven that resilience and reinvention are at the heart of her Hollywood journey.