Kate Winslet was the fourth choice for the role of Hanna Schmitz in The Reader producer Harvey Weinstein has revealed.
Due to her commitments with Revolutionary Road the actress was overlooked in favour of Nicole Kidman but she was had to abandon the film when she became pregnant.
Oscar winner Marion Cotillard and Naomi Watts were also considered for the role until the part eventually went to Winslet.
In an interview with Newsweek Weinstein said: "Before Kate came onboard, [producers] Anthony Minghella, myself and Scott Rudin had a conversation," he claimed.
"I said 'Scott, she’s got Revolutionary Road. I think we should have insurance"
However it was a move that proved to be a success as Winslet has bee reaping the awards for the role picking up a Golden globe, Screen Actors Guild and Bafta for her performance in the Holocaust drama.
She is nominated in the Best Actress category for Sunday night's Oscars.
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