What The Cast Of Marie Antoinette Looks Like Today
Putting a modern twist on historical events, Sofia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette" tells the story of France's last and most famous queen. Coppola's decision to give the movie a more contemporary feel, rather than striving for historical correctness, divided critics and even elicited boos at Cannes in 2006. Today "Marie Antoinette" is considered a classic, connecting with younger audiences — especially women — who are drawn to the movie's ability to make them empathize with Antoinette.
Along with a post-punk soundtrack in place of a more common orchestral score for historical dramas, Coppola went against the usual casting choices for this kind of movie. Instead of a cast full of classically trained British actors, like those in "The King's Speech" or "The Lion in Winter," Coppola took a page from movies like Brian Helgeland's "A Knight's Tale" and Miloš Forman's "Amadeus." Coppola chose beautiful young actors who brought an anti-establishment tone to their roles, using them to push back against the traditional genre concepts and create a wholly unique feel. Now, decades later, many of those stars have continued to shine brightly while still going against the grain and showing Hollywood that they have more to offer than many would suspect. And they all do it while looking absolutely gorgeous.
Kirsten Dunst is as elegant as ever
Since her breakthrough role in "Interview with the Vampire" when she was just 11, Kirsten Dunst has crafted a career filled with not only hit movies but also risks that show her range. The actor has dipped her toe into every genre and consistently surprised audiences with her choices.
Dunst married fellow actor Jesse Plemons in 2022, and the couple have two children together. But being a mother hasn't kept Dunst off screen. And while it has been some time since she had her face caked in white powder and wore massive wigs, Dunst is just as beautiful today as she was when she played the famous queen.
Jason Schwartzman has always been suave
A member of the Coppola family network, Jason Schwartzman has proven himself to be more than just a nepo baby. The actor has worked with some of the most talented directors in modern cinema, including his cousin Sofia Coppola in "Marie Antoinette," where he played Louis XVI, the last king of France. Schwartzman was just 26 when he made the movie, and looked even younger.
Today, Schwartzman hasn't lost his boyish charm, but it now comes with maturity and, thanks to those expressive eyebrows, a lot of charm. Schwartzman has always had an air of confidence around him that has only grown as he has gotten older.
Rose Byrne's beauty has only grown with her resume
Rose Byrne was just starting to break out when she played Yolande de Polastron in "Marie Antoinette." A natural beauty herself, Byrne was a perfect choice to play a historical figure best remembered as one of the most beautiful people of the time.
Byrne has become one of the most impressive actors of her generation, and she has done it all while looking amazing. Whether she is in a comedy like "Bridesmaids", a drama, or a horror such as "Insidious", Byrne's sweet smile and big, beautiful eyes make audiences fall in love with her every time she appears on screen.
Jamie Dornan made his debut in Marie Antoinette
Before Jamie Dornan enthralled audiences as a serial killer in "The Fall" and the rich and kinky Christian Grey in "Fifty Shades of Grey," he made his professional debut in "Marie Antoinette" as the queen's lover, Axel von Fersen. Dornan's classic good looks made it easy for audiences to see why Kirsten Dunst would fall head over heels for him.
Along with his skills as a performer, Dornan's tall, dark, and handsome demeanor makes him stand out. The actor's ruggedly handsome features, along with his piercing blue eyes, make him a perfect fit to play a member of the royal court or a man grappling with his place in the world.
Molly Shannon is as funny as she is beautiful
Molly Shannon became a household name when she joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live" and made viewers laugh with her "Superstar," "Dog Show," and "Delicious Dish" sketches. Her appearance in "Marie Antoinette" as Aunt Victoire was a departure from her comic roots, but she almost missed out on the role. Shannon was pregnant when she was offered the part, and she induced labor so that she could have her son before she had to show up on set. Shannon's Midwest charm and sparkling blue eyes — along with her amazing comedic skills — have not faded with time.
Tom Hardy's boyish charm has given way to a square-jawed tough guy
Known for playing some of the stranger characters in modern cinema, including the mumbling antihero Max Rockatansky in "Mad Max: Fury Road." Tom Hardy has made a name for himself as a down-and-dirty actor who captures the tough guy roles perfectly. But his brooding good looks were nowhere to be seen in "Marie Antoinette," where he played the judgmental aristocrat Raumont.
Hardy's boyish looks are seen in Sophia Coppola's movie, but those pinchable cheeks have turned into a sharp jawline that accentuates his sorrowful puppy dog eyes. The actor has changed his entire persona over the years, but he is no less handsome now than he was then.
Shirley Henderson's youthful appearance can make her dangerous
Shirley Henderson stole the show when she appeared as Moaning Myrtle in 2005's "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." Her appearance as Madame Sophie in "Marie Antoinette" a year later showed a different side of the actor, using her innocent features and high-pitched voice to play up the character's scheming ways.
A star of stage and screen, Henderson's youthful beauty and talent continue to make her a sought-after actor. Henderson's deep, dark eyes can quickly pull viewers in, sending their hearts aflutter. But the actor can just as easily go dark, using her eyes to fill the audience with fear.
Steve Coogan's distinguished looks are great for drama and comedy
Steve Coogan played Marie Antoinette's political advisor and mentor, Florimond Claude, in the film, acting as one of the few people looking out for the queen and using his understanding of France's politics to try to keep her safe. Coogan's somewhat royal look and age — he was 45 when "Marie Antoinette" was released — made him a perfect fit for the role.
Now 60, Coogan has become a distinguished older actor with leading man looks that work in any genre. Coogan has the distinguished looks of the upper crust, which he often uses to play up his Alan Partridge persona's egotistical style.
Asia Argento is still a gorgeous goth
As King Louis XV's mistress, Asia Argento's Madame du Barry served as one of Marie Antoinette's many rivals in the movie. Argento's raven-black hair and pale skin pop against the dark blues and reds she wore in the film, showcasing her gothic beauty and contrasting her with Kirsten Dunst, who wears pastels and big white wigs. Argento is still stunning today, and her sharp features and seductive gaze continue to make her a popular actor despite her controversial past.