Best known for playing Alice Cullen in the film adaptations of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight novels, Ashley Greene’s casting was met with controversy among fans as she is 7 inches (18 cm) taller than her character, as described in the novel.
Ashley Greene as Alice Cullen and Jackson Rathbone as Jasper Hale appear deeply concentrated while strategizing in a scene from the “Twilight” saga (Credit: Summit Entertainment)
Response to Fan Expectations
In an interview with MTV in March 2008, Ashley addressed the criticism. “Uh, that’s the biggest complaint about me actually; I’m 5-foot-5. I’m much, much taller than Alice is described, but who is 4-foot-10 anyways?”
“Well, when I read the book, I could see that, and she’s the actress that Stephenie put on her site and said, ‘This is what I think she looks like in my head,’ so that’s natural that everyone else would have her in their head as well. But I’m supposed to be playing a 17-year-old girl, and I think Rachael would be playing a woman now, rather than a 17-year-old. She’s gorgeous. But if there are sequels, I’m going to be playing this young character for the next few years,” Ashley Greene added.
Co-stars Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene depict the close-knit relationship of adopted siblings Emmett and Alice Cullen in The Twilight Saga (Credit: Cousart / JFXimages / WENN / Chris Connor / Nikki Nelson)
Other Actresses Considered for Alice Cullen
American novelist Stephenie Meyer reportedly had petite actress Rachael Leigh Cook in mind for the role. Best known from The Baby-Sitters Club (1995), She’s All That (1999), Josie and the Pussycats (2001), and the television series Into the West and Perception, Rachael is 5′ 2″ (1.57 m).
Lucy Hale, who later starred in Pretty Little Liars, auditioned for several roles in the “Twilight” saga, showcasing her keen interest in the series. She initially tried out for the role of Alice Cullen and auditioned for the characters Jane in “New Moon” and Leah Clearwater in “Eclipse.”
Despite her enthusiasm and love for the books, as she expressed in an interview with J-14, stating she “wanted to be part of the first movie so bad,” the roles ultimately went to other actresses.
Ashley Greene’s Alice Cullen stands with Kellan Lutz’s Emmett, Nikki Reed’s Rosalie, and Jackson Rathbone’s Jasper, embodying the unity of the Cullen family in Twilight (Credit: Summit Entertainment)
The Evolution of Ashley Greene’s Role
Ashley Greene originally auditioned for the role of Bella Swan in the “Twilight” saga, but director Catherine Hardwicke envisioned her as Alice Cullen, one of Edward Cullen’s adopted sisters.
The filming for Twilight was completed on May 2, 2008, when Ashley Greene was 21 years old. It was theatrically released on November 21, 2008. Little did she know that the film series would make her rich.
The role became particularly significant for Greene as it was her first major acting job after moving to Los Angeles a few years earlier, marking a crucial step in her acting career.
Rachael Leigh Cook, the actress Stephenie Meyer envisioned for Alice Cullen, captures the character’s petite essence in this candid shot (Credit: Cousart / JFXimages / WENN / Chris Connor / Nikki Nelson)
Ashley Greene wore different wigs for the four movies, starting with a chopped style in the original film. She was generally amenable to wearing wigs and designed her short-haired wig for the final films.
“This last (wig) was a collaboration with (director) Bill Condon,” Greene revealed. “Luckily he had the same vision I had for Alice (Cullen). This was a good way to end.”
Casual Style: Ashley Greene’s Off-Screen Fashion
In December 2014, Ashley Greene was spotted shopping at Bristol Farms in Beverly Hills, California.
Ashley Greene styled distressed jeans with a patterned sweatshirt (Credit: Cousart / JFXimages / WENN / Chris Connor / Nikki Nelson)
The then-27-year-old actress sported a laid-back look consisting of distressed “The Looker” jeans by Mother and a Maison Scotch pattern sweatshirt.
Ashley Greene grocery shopping at Bristol Farms in Beverly Hills on December 1, 2014, after being out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday (Credit: Cousart / JFXimages / WENN / Chris Connor / Nikki Nelson)
She accessorized with dark sunglasses and a pair of blue booties we’ve yet to identify. Would you wear an outfit like this to go shopping?
Ashley Greene styled her jeans with matching blue booties (Credit: Cousart / JFXimages / WENN / Chris Connor / Nikki Nelson)
Ashley’s skinny “grafitti girl” colored jeans feature fading along the front of pants and back pockets, front pocket whiskering, and distressing throughout.
MOTHER The Looker Skinny Jeans, $220