Casting Shocker: Margot Robbie Was Almost Megan in The Girl on the Train Before Haley Bennett?!

When psychological thrillers meet A-list talent, audiences expect cinematic fireworks. That was the exact expectation when The Girl on the Train hit theaters in 2016. But what many fans don’t know is that Margot Robbie was originally considered for a key role in the film before Haley Bennett ultimately stepped in. According to trivia on IMDb, Robbie was reportedly eyed for the character of Megan Hipwell, a young woman entangled in the dark web of mystery, deceit, and suburban secrets that drive the plot.

While Margot Robbie ultimately passed on the role, her name was firmly in the mix during the casting phase. Known for her emotionally layered performances in films like I, Tonya, Bombshell, and Babylon, Robbie would have brought a different texture to Megan—perhaps even shifting the tone of the entire film.

Who Is Megan Hipwell, And Why Was Margot Robbie Considered?

Megan Hipwell is a complex, enigmatic character. She’s a woman carrying deep trauma, masked by beauty and mystery. Her sudden disappearance sets off a chain of events that exposes the fragile facades of the people around her. It’s a role that demands both vulnerability and emotional unpredictability—qualities Margot Robbie has demonstrated consistently throughout her career.

So why didn’t Robbie take the part? There’s no public statement confirming the reason behind her decision. It could have been a scheduling conflict, a creative choice, or simply a matter of timing. What’s clear is that the role eventually went to Haley Bennett, who approached the character with her own interpretation, crafting a performance marked by tension, sadness, and internal conflict.

Haley Bennett Brings Megan To Life — With Echoes of Robbie’s Intensity

Though she wasn’t the original choice, Haley Bennett took on the challenge of portraying Megan Hipwell with depth and conviction. Interestingly, many viewers and critics noted that Bennett’s performance bore traces of the same haunted intensity Margot Robbie is known for. Whether intentional or coincidental, this resemblance only fueled more curiosity about what the film might have looked like with Robbie in the role.

Bennett’s portrayal was, in its own right, captivating. She delivered a character who was difficult to pin down—part fragile, part manipulative, and entirely mysterious. She made Megan both a victim and a force of chaos in a story already heavy with emotional baggage.

The Girl on the Train: Star-Studded But Slightly Derailed

Despite its promising source material and a high-profile cast, The Girl on the Train failed to fully meet expectations in the eyes of critics. Starring Emily Blunt as Rachel Watson, the alcoholic protagonist haunted by her own past, the film also featured Rebecca Ferguson, Allison Janney, Edgar Ramirez, and even a small role by Lisa Kudrow.

Emily Blunt’s performance was a standout. Her portrayal of a troubled, spiraling divorcée earned her a SAG nomination and a BAFTA nod, cementing her place as one of the most compelling actresses of her generation. But the rest of the cast struggled to break through, often limited by a screenplay that couldn’t quite match the emotional nuance of Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel.

Edgar Ramirez’s portrayal of Dr. Kamal Abdic drew particular criticism, as the character’s ethnic background was changed in a way that confused some viewers. Allison Janney, as the lead detective, brought her usual gravitas but wasn’t given enough screen time or development to shine. Ultimately, the film felt like a beautiful train with misaligned tracks—destined to look sleek but never quite reaching its destination.

Critical Response: A Mixed Bag for a High-Profile Thriller

The Girl on the Train premiered with high expectations, riding on the coattails of similar genre successes like Gone Girl. Yet, the reception was tepid at best. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 44% rating, reflecting a general consensus that it fell short in execution.

Critics cited a confused narrative structure, underdeveloped characters (outside of Rachel), and a tonal inconsistency that disrupted the suspense. Though the book offered layers of mystery and emotional tension, the film often felt like it was checking off plot points rather than exploring character dynamics. It lacked the slow-burn intensity that makes thrillers truly compelling.

And yet, the film still managed to find an audience.

Box Office Success: A Commercial Win Despite Critical Challenges

Despite its lukewarm critical reception, The Girl on the Train proved to be a financial success. The film earned $173 million worldwide on a $45 million budget, a strong return for a moody psychological thriller with no traditional action or franchise backing.

In the U.S., it opened to $24.5 million in its first weekend, outperforming The Birth of a Nation and Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life. It even secured the #1 spot at the domestic box office, proving that strong branding, a bestselling novel, and a stellar lead could still draw audiences—despite critical hesitation.

This box office performance showed that the genre still had legs, particularly when backed by star power and an already invested fanbase. It also posed the question: Would the film have earned even more—or performed better with critics—if Margot Robbie had taken the role of Megan Hipwell?

Could Margot Robbie Have Changed the Film’s Reception?

It’s difficult to say definitively, but it’s not unreasonable to suggest that Margot Robbie’s casting might have elevated the film’s profile further. Robbie brings a unique blend of charisma and emotional transparency to her roles, often humanizing even the most morally ambiguous characters.

Given Megan’s importance in the story—both as a central mystery and as an emotional catalyst—Robbie’s nuanced acting might have deepened the character’s arc. Her involvement could also have shifted the marketing narrative, drawing in more of her established fan base and possibly altering the tone and pacing of the film.

That said, Haley Bennett’s contribution should not be overlooked. She took a difficult role and delivered a performance that, while not universally praised, captured the ambiguity and sadness that defined Megan.

The Girl on the Train’s Legacy: A Thriller That Still Sparks Conversation

Years after its release, The Girl on the Train continues to be a topic of discussion. It’s been remade in Bollywood, adapted into stage plays, and remains a staple on streaming platforms. Though it didn’t fully meet the critical hype, the film holds a place in the broader canon of modern thrillers adapted from literature.

Its imperfections—along with its commercial success—offer an interesting study in how films can succeed or stumble depending on a few key choices. And casting is certainly one of them.

Final Thoughts: A “What If” That Adds Depth to the Film’s Story

The idea that Margot Robbie was originally considered for Megan Hipwell adds a fascinating layer to The Girl on the Train‘s behind-the-scenes history. It’s the kind of casting “what if” that fans and film enthusiasts love to speculate about.

Would Robbie have made the film better? Would it have changed its reception, tone, or place in thriller cinema? We’ll never know for sure. What we do know is that this $173 million thriller had a winding journey—both on and off screen—and the casting decisions along the way helped shape its legacy.