It was just announced Saoirse Ronan will be in your solo directorial debut, Lady Bird. That’s big news.

I know. I know.

How does that happen? Did you make contact with her at all?

Well, kind of. It was a very fortuitous turn of events. She ended up reading the script and really connected to it. Then I met her and we read it together and she’s so instantly great. It was written in the stars a bit and I’m very lucky it happened the way it did. But, yeah, it was fortuitous.

It was already getting a lot of attention because it’s your first movie directing by yourself, and now with her…

I know. She’s the best. In a way, I’m so happy that all of this has happened for her. But it’s not the basis of my interest. She was great no matter what. But, I’m so glad, it’s so great to reward the good guys.

But now you don’t have to tell people, “Oh, you’re going to love her.” People already know.

Yes, that’s true. And she’s just a tremendous talent and what a face. I couldn’t be more honored that she’s going to be in the film.

SOURCE: Uproxx.com

After this, you’re gearing up to direct again with “Lady Bird.” It was just announced yesterday that you’ve cast Saoirse Ronan as your leading lady.

She’s my girl. She’s my girl. I’m very, very blessed. She is a talent for the ages. She is so young and she is so great. Every time I wake up and I remember that she’s going to be in it, it’s like remembering, I don’t know, it’s like “the dream was real! It’s happening!” I’m really excited. 

I’ve spent a long time writing this script and it feels like something I’ve been working towards for — it’s 2016, I graduated from college in 2006, I’ve been working as a co-writer, a writer, co-director, producer, actor — and it feels like I’ve apprenticed for ten years and it feels time and I hope that I am equal to her talents. 

She’s a chameleon, but she’s so subtle, it never feels like she’s bringing you this ready-made performance, she kind of subtly becomes this other person, and that’s the kind of acting I like. I’m so glad she’s been rewarded for it so richly.

SOURCE: IndieWire.com