Noomi Rapace Talks Playing Lisbeth Salander: ‘It’s Up To Somebody Else To Step In Her Shoes’

Swedish actress Noomi Rapace, the original portrayer of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’s” Lisbeth Salander, is fast becoming a U.S. star in her own right. However, the striking beauty told Access Hollywood that she is more than ready to pass the rebel hacker’s torch along and tackle new roles.

“I actually felt pretty strong that I am done with [Lisbeth],” Noomi told Access Hollywood’s Scott “Movie” Mantz in an interview on Monday.

Noomi, whose third film in the series, “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest,” opens in U.S. theaters on Friday, said she can’t see herself tackling Lisbeth again, even if they had access to the reportedly unfinished fourth book by author Stieg Larsson, who died in 2004.

“I did everything I could [with the role] and [he] didn’t finish the fourth book and nobody knows how much [material] there is actually,” she told Scott. “And then when [an American “Dragon Tattoo” remake was discussed], I said, ‘No, I’m done. It’s up to somebody else to step in [Lisbeth’s] shoes.’

“I never want to repeat myself. I want to move on and do new stuff,” she added.

Although she may be finished playing the unlikely heroine, Noomi is looking forward to seeing the American version of “Dragon Tattoo” (starring Daniel Craig and “The Social Network’s” Rooney Mara, and directed by David Fincher).

“I think [it will be] quite interesting to see what they do,” she told Scott of the film, which is due out on December 21, 2011. “I love David Fincher. I think he’s great.”

Noomi’s stellar performances in the Swedish Millennium films have garnered critical praise for the 30-year-old, and opened the door for new numerous opportunities stateside – including the chance to star alongside Robert Downey Jr. in the as-of-yet untitled “Sherlock Holmes” sequel.

“I’m now at the point in my life where I have the opportunity and I’m working with people who I really respect and admire so it’s wonderful,” Noomi told Scott.

“[Robert] is fantastic,” she added. “I’ve seen most of his work, and I think he’s just great. He’s such a hard working actor.”