A Look at the Little Women Cast Over the Years: Comparing Stars from the 1949, 1994, and 2019 Films

From left: Emma Watson as Meg March, Florence Pugh as Amy March, Saoirse Ronan as Jo March and Eliza Scanlen as Beth March in 2019’s ‘Little Women’.
Credit :

Columbia Pictures

It has been 31 years since Winona Ryder starred in the 1994 adaptation of “Little Women.” The actress played Jo March in this acclaimed retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, which traces the lives of the March family during the U.S. Civil War. For her performance, Ryder received an Academy Award nomination.

Greta Gerwig brought a fresh perspective to the story in 2019, casting Saoirse Ronan as Jo March for her own interpretation. Ryder expressed her nostalgia regarding the remake, stating to Good Morning America in January 2020 that she was “very nostalgic” and “glad” to see the story revisited.

Multiple generations have now experienced new adaptations of this beloved tale. Both the 1994 and 2019 versions are remakes of a story first brought to the big screen in 1949.

As audiences dive into these adaptations, comparisons between the three casts emerge. Below is a closer look at the lead actors from each film.

Saoirse Ronan (2019), Winona Ryder (1994), and June Allyson (1949) as Jo March

Saoirse Ronan (2019), Winona Ryder (1994) and June Allyson (1949) as Jo March in ‘Little Women’.
Sony Pictures; Everette Collection; Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Jo, characterized as an aspiring writer, defies societal norms, depicting a tomboy spirit mingled with loyalty and diligence. The role was originally brought to life by June Allyson, who was iconic in the 1949 film. By the time Winona Ryder portrayed Jo in 1994, she had already marked her presence in films like “Heathers” and “Edward Scissorhands.” Saoirse Ronan, recognized for her strong performances, had previously received three Academy Award nominations prior to her turn in 2019, where her portrayal garnered her another nomination, making her the second youngest individual to achieve four nominations, following Jennifer Lawrence.

Timothée Chalamet (2019), Christian Bale (1994), and Peter Lawford (1949) as Theodore “Laurie” Laurence

Timothée Chalamet (2019), Christian Bale (1994), and Peter Lawford (1949) as Theodore “Laurie” Laurence in ‘Little Women’.
Sony Pictures; Everette Collection; Donaldson Collection/Getty Images

Laurie is Jo March’s closest companion and secretly harbors feelings for her. His proposal is ultimately declined, leading him to pursue a relationship with Amy. The role has seen strong interpretations across the decades, with Peter Lawford in 1949 and Christian Bale making a significant mark in 1994. Timothée Chalamet, who gained fame in “Call Me by Your Name,” revealed his vibrant interpretation of Laurie in the 2019 adaptation, reuniting with Ronan after their collaboration on “Lady Bird.”

Emma Watson (2019), Trini Alvarado (1994), and Janet Leigh (1949) as Meg March

Emma Watson (2019), Trini Alvarado (1994), and Janet Leigh (1949) as Meg March in ‘Little Women’.
Sony Pictures; Everette Collection; Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Originally portrayed by Janet Leigh in 1949 and later by Trini Alvarado in 1994, the character of Meg March was brought back to life by Emma Watson in 2019. Known for her beauty, Meg is often seen as the quintessential “little woman.” Watson was already established as a prominent actress by this time, having starred in the “Harry Potter” series and other films such as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

Meryl Streep (2019), Mary Wickes (1994), and Lucile Watson (1949) as Aunt March

Meryl Streep (2019), Mary Wickes (1994), and Lucile Watson (1949) as Aunt March in ‘Little Women’.

Sony Pictures; Everette Collection; Tim McCleary/Getty Images

Aunt March plays a formidable role within the March household, being a wealthy widow who exerts considerable control. While she presents a tough exterior, her character has layers of complexity. This role was well-suited for Meryl Streep, who followed in the footsteps of Mary Wickes and Lucile Watson.

James Norton (2019), Eric Stoltz (1994), and Richard Stapley (1949) as John Brooke

James Norton (2019), Eric Stoltz (1994), and Richard Stapley (1949) as John Brooke in ‘Little Women’.
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John Brooke, Laurie’s tutor, ultimately falls for Meg, and together they challenge Aunt March’s expectations by marrying and starting a family. This character has been interpreted by James Norton in 2019, Eric Stoltz in 1994, and Richard Stapley in the original 1949 adaptation.

Florence Pugh (2019), Kirsten Dunst (1994), and Elizabeth Taylor (1949) as Amy March

Florence Pugh (2019), Kirsten Dunst (1994), and Elizabeth Taylor (1949) as Amy March in ‘Little Women’.
Sony Pictures; Everette Collection; Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Amy, being the youngest sibling, often receives the most attention and privileges. Initially depicted by Elizabeth Taylor in 1949 and later by Kirsten Dunst in 1994, the character was portrayed by Florence Pugh in 2019, earning her a first Oscar nomination. Amy ultimately gets her fairy tale ending by marrying Laurie.

Eliza Scanlen (2019), Claire Danes (1994), and Margaret O’Brien (1949) as Beth March

Eliza Scanlen (2019), Claire Danes (1994), and Margaret O’Brien (1949) as Beth March in ‘Little Women’.
Sony Pictures; Everette Collection; Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Eliza Scanlen now portrays the gentle and kind-hearted Beth, who faces a tragic fate due to scarlet fever—a storyline that has resonated across generations.

Louis Garrel (2019), Gabriel Byrne (1994), and Rossano Brazzi (1949) as Friedrich Bhaer

Louis Garrel (2019), Gabriel Byrne (1994), and Rossano Brazzi (1949) as Friedrich Bhaer in ‘Little Women’.
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Friedrich Bhaer, a German professor, is first introduced to Jo in New York City, where he plays a pivotal role in her writing journey. Louis Garrel steps into this character in the 2019 film, following the portrayals of Gabriel Byrne and Rossano Brazzi in earlier adaptations.

Laura Dern (2019), Susan Sarandon (1994), and Mary Astor (1949) as Marmee March

Laura Dern (2019), Susan Sarandon (1994), and Mary Astor (1949) as Marmee March in ‘Little Women’.
Sony Pictures; Everette Collection; Donaldson Collection/Getty Images

Marmee, the strong and nurturing mother of the March sisters, oversees the home during her husband’s absence in the Civil War. Laura Dern took on this role in the 2019 adaptation, succeeding previous portrayals by Susan Sarandon and Mary Astor.

As each adaptation of “Little Women” brings its unique flavor, the rich tapestry of characters and the performances of talented actors continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.