Before becoming the famous Lady Whistledown on Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan apparently auditioned for a major role in Stranger Things on Netflix. Coughlan is not new to auditions. The Irish actress has done years of auditioning and worked in the theatre. Her major break was in Derry Girls, as the studious Clare Devlin.

After the show hit British television, it became quite famous in Ireland, and become one of the most-watched series of all time. But little did she know that the popularity of the show will catch the attention of the streaming giant. Netflix signed it for an International release in 2018. Thus, began Nicola Coughlan’s journey of success began.

Nicola Coughlan joined as Penelope in Bridgeton in 2019. Through the two season, we get to know the intricacies of her and her nouveau riche family. But before Derry Girls and Bridgerton, the actress wanted to be a part of Stranger Things. Which character did she audition for? Let’s find out.

Nicola Coughlan Reveals She Auditioned for Stranger Things before bagging her Bridgerton role

We know Nicola Coughlan today as Bridgerton’s gossip girl, Lady Whistledown. However, before the Regency-era show, she was almost a part of another Netflix hit show: Stranger Things. She shared this with BuzzFeed while promotion Bridgerton season 2, along with what she thought of the actress that indeed bagged the role later. While she didn’t make the cut,  she had auditioned for the part of Robin Buckley. Maya Hawke eventually played the role of Robin in the Netflix show, and Coughlan feels it was for the best.

“I auditioned for Stranger Things a number of years ago… I auditioned to play Robin, Maya Hawke got it. She was far better than I ever would have been,” said the actress.

Robin joined Stranger Things in season 3. But her quick wit had her slide right into fan hearts as one of the top favorites. There’s even a podcast following this character. Coughlan also praises Maya Hawke, who played the role of Robin. She claims after watching Maya Hawke in the character, she understands that the character was never for her.

After watching both the shows, we can claim Nicola Coughlan is doing an amazing job as Penelope and Maya Hawke as Robin. But we do wonder what Stranger Things would have been like if Coughlan played Robin. What do you think?