From Missing Out on Logan to Becoming Stranger Things’ Biggest Star: Millie Bobby Brown’s Journey Beyond Rejection

Millie Bobby Brown recently opened up about one of the most memorable auditions of her childhood, revealing that she narrowly missed the opportunity to star alongside Hugh Jackman in Logan. Although she has since become one of Hollywood’s most successful young actresses, Brown admitted that the experience stayed with her for years.

The 22-year-old appeared alongside her Enola Holmes 3 co-star Louis Partridge on Entertainment Weekly’s Lie vs Lie. When asked to share the most unforgettable audition of her career, Brown revealed that she once auditioned in person with Hugh Jackman when she was around 11 or 12 years old for one of the Wolverine films.

Reflecting on the audition, Brown said she walked away with a heavy heart. “I felt like I probably didn’t get it because I think there was someone else that was better,” she recalled. She admitted that the experience left her feeling “broken,” as though she had been completely devastated by the rejection.

At first, Louis Partridge guessed the story made perfect sense, remembering that Logan featured a young female role around Brown’s age. He quickly suggested that she had auditioned for X-23, the character ultimately played by Dafne Keen, who was also 11 years old at the time.

Brown confirmed that his guess was correct. She explained that she intentionally referred to it as “one of the Wolverinemovies” to throw him off during the game, but the role she had actually auditioned for was Laura, better known as X-23 in Logan.

Although she didn’t land the role opposite Hugh Jackman, Brown soon found the breakthrough that would change her life when she was cast as Eleven in Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things. The science-fiction phenomenon became a global sensation and transformed her from a child actress into an international star almost overnight.

Brown portrayed Eleven throughout all five seasons of Stranger Things. After wrapping the series in late 2024, she shared a collection of behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram along with an emotional farewell speech delivered on her final day of filming.

In the heartfelt video, Brown compared wrapping the show to graduating. “Isn’t graduation supposed to bring relief? Like you’re glad to leave behind the teachers and classmates. Not me. I am nowhere near ready to leave you guys,” she said. She continued, “I love each and every one of you and I will forever carry the memories and bonds we created together as a family. I love you, thank you.” Her emotional message quickly resonated with fans around the world.

While starring in Stranger Things, Brown also expanded her film career with projects including Enola Holmes, Damsel, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and several other productions, steadily proving her versatility across multiple genres.

Born in Marbella, Spain, in 2004 to British parents, Brown spent much of her childhood in England before moving to the United States to pursue acting. During the early years of her career, she auditioned for numerous films and television projects, though success did not come immediately.

Those early disappointments ultimately became valuable learning experiences. Missing out on Logan was heartbreaking at the time, but it became one of many auditions that strengthened her resilience before she landed the life-changing role of Eleven.

Following the success of Stranger Things, Brown quickly became one of Hollywood’s most influential young performers. She has appeared on multiple lists recognizing influential young people worldwide and has expanded into film production through her own production company.

Outside of acting, Brown also launched her skincare and beauty brand, Florence by Mills, aimed at younger consumers. The company has grown into an internationally recognized brand, marking her successful entry into the business world.

Brown’s personal life has also attracted widespread attention. After dating for several years, she married Jake Bongiovi, the son of rock legend Jon Bon Jovi. While the couple frequently shares glimpses of their life together on social media, they have also maintained a level of privacy regarding their marriage.

Despite her many achievements, Brown has also faced intense public scrutiny. She has spoken openly about dealing with online criticism, media attention, and the challenges of growing up in the spotlight from such a young age. On several occasions, she has encouraged both the media and social media users to treat young performers with greater kindness and understanding.

Throughout interviews, Brown has consistently emphasized that rejection is an inevitable part of an acting career. For her, every unsuccessful audition offers a lesson and often leads to an opportunity that is ultimately a better fit. Her experience with Logan perfectly illustrates that belief, as she landed the role of Eleven not long afterward—a performance that launched her onto the global stage.

By revisiting the memory of auditioning alongside Hugh Jackman, Brown has given fans a deeper look into the struggles she faced at the beginning of her career. Her journey—from a young girl who felt “broken” after losing a role to an internationally acclaimed actress with a growing list of successful projects—serves as a reminder that one closed door can often lead to even greater opportunities ahead.