The 2013 film August: Osage County featured an impressive ensemble cast, including Benedict Cumberbatch as Little Charles Aiken and Meryl Streep as Violet Weston. The production brought together some of Hollywood’s most respected talents for the adaptation of Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play.

According to the IMDb page, Renée Zellweger and Andrea Riseborough were both considered for roles in the film. Riseborough was initially cast but had to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts.

Her departure opened the door for Juliette Lewis, who stepped in to play Karen Weston. Lewis brought her own energy and interpretation to the role, fitting seamlessly into the star-studded cast.

Chloë Moretz also auditioned for the role of Jean Fordham. Ultimately, the part went to Abigail Breslin, whose performance added depth to the Weston family’s complicated dynamics.

Behind the scenes, the cast displayed a lighthearted camaraderie. At one point, they were seen sharing laughs with Julianna Nicholson, who played Ivy Weston, suggesting that even on an emotionally heavy project, moments of levity were possible.

For Julia Roberts, who portrayed Barbara Weston, the transformation was striking. She shed her usual glamorous look, going makeup-free and wearing understated, dowdy clothing to embody the emotionally strained eldest daughter.

The filming took place in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, lending authenticity to the story’s Midwestern roots. The location served as a perfect backdrop for the family drama’s tense and intimate scenes.

The combination of powerhouse performances, carefully chosen casting changes, and a strong sense of place helped make August: Osage County a memorable adaptation. It showcased not just the talent of its cast, but also the behind-the-scenes adjustments that often shape a film’s final form.