The 2013 film also featured stars like Benedict Cumberbatch as Little Charles Aiken and Meryl Streep as Violet Weston. Originally, Renée Zellweger and Andrea Riseborough were considered for roles, with Riseborough dropping out due to scheduling conflicts. Juliette Lewis stepped in as Karen Weston. Chloë Moretz auditioned for the role of Jean Fordham, but it went to Abigail Breslin. Stripped of her usual glam, Julia brought an emotional depth to the scenes.