Overview

• In her July 2025 Elle UK interview, Ryder said she had been cast in The Freshman alongside Marlon Brando and Matthew Broderick before the offer was rescinded following Heathers’ release.
• Studio executives objected to Heathers’ satirical portrayal of teen suicide, concluding the film trivialized the subject and withdrawing her casting.
• Ryder’s agent warned that playing Veronica Sawyer would jeopardize her career and reportedly begged her to abandon the project.
• Despite the backlash, Ryder refused to apologize for her role and maintained that she stood by her artistic choice.
• Heathers ultimately achieved cult classic status and Ryder went on to lead major films and earn multiple award nominations.