Taking on the role of Mattie Ross is newcomer Hailee Steinfeld, who had to show significant grit herself in order to bag the role. According to Deadline Hollywood, the Coens plucked her from a staggering 15,000 hopefuls to play the film’s feisty young heroine.

According to the official casting call, Mattie is, “a simple, tough as nails young woman in post-Civil War Arkansas with unusually steely nerves and a surprisingly straightforward manner.”

Sounds like a big ask for a thirteen-year-old actress, but Steinfeld can take comfort from some reassuring words from Jeff Bridges.

“Any role that big is going to be a challenge for any actor,” Bridges told Movieline,  “but for an actor of a young age, it's going to be even tougher. But we know it can be done; look at Tatum O'Neal (in Paper Moon). She did a wonderful job.

“As a matter of fact,” he continued, “I've worked with some really wonderful child actors who've had no training whatsoever, and they turn out to be great. A lot of acting is just about pretending, and kids are certainly good at that.”