August: Osage County (2013) brought together an acclaimed cast, including Meryl Streep as Violet Weston and Benedict Cumberbatch as Little Charles Aiken, for the film adaptation of Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play.

Casting saw several changes. IMDb notes that “Renée Zellweger and Andrea Riseborough were both considered for roles.” Riseborough was initially cast but dropped out due to scheduling, allowing Juliette Lewis to step in as Karen Weston. Chloë Moretz auditioned for Jean Fordham, but the role went to Abigail Breslin, whose performance added depth to the family drama.

Despite the heavy subject matter, the cast kept things light. They were seen “sharing laughs with Julianna Nicholson, who played Ivy Weston,” showing moments of levity on set.

Julia Roberts underwent a striking transformation as Barbara Weston, appearing makeup-free in understated clothing to embody the family’s emotionally strained eldest daughter.

Filmed in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the Midwestern setting gave the story an authentic backdrop. With powerhouse performances and carefully chosen casting changes, August: Osage County became a memorable adaptation shaped both by talent and behind-the-scenes adjustments.