Who Could Play Britney Spears in Her Biopic? The Frontrunners and the Actresses Saying No
Ever since Universal Pictures acquired the rights to Britney Spears’ 2023 memoir, The Woman in Me, the internet has been running its own unofficial casting call. With “Wicked” director Jon M. Chu now attached to bring the pop icon’s story to the big screen, the debates around who could possibly step into the role and play the iconic pop star have grown even more passionate. There are a few names that keep popping up in connection with the role, and bookmakers have the odds. Not everyone mentioned in recent debates is interested in the job. At least two A-listers have made it clear that playing Britney Spears is not on their to-do lists.
Sabrina Carpenter, Millie Bobby Brown and Ariana Grande are early frontrunners
While the planned Britney Spears biopic has no official release date, no filming schedule, and no cast announcements, fans are still talking. In fact, the lack of movement has led to even more chatter about who could take on the role of Spears in the film. According to Gambling.com, Sabrina Carpenter is an early favorite. Her looks, her status as a pop star, and her current style and success make her a shoo-in, theorize some fans. Her mix of musical chops and Disney-alum acting background has made her one of the most frequently floated names since the biopic was announced.
Sabrina has some competition, though. Millie Bobby Brown’s name has come up multiple times, too, and we do know she’d take the role if it was offered to her. She’s actually been campaigning for the part the longest. In 2022, Brown told Drew Barrymore that it would be her “dream role” to play Britney Spears in a biopic. Brown wants the role because she feels a connection to Spears’ story, especially the scrutiny that fame brought at a young age. Brown has navigated the same herself, though in a different climate and environment.
While considered something of a long shot, Ariana Grande is another favorite. Her connection to Chu (she appeared in Wicked and Wicked for Good) and her early Disney Channel fame make her an interesting choice. Some fans believe Grande’s look is just too different from Spears’ to work, though. Selena Gomez’s name has been shot down for similar reasons, despite both actors having singing backgrounds and Disney Channel ties.
Margot Robbie and Tate McRae have pulled themselves out of the running
While Margot Robbie and Tate McRae have also been mentioned in debates about who could play Britney Spears in a biopic, neither appears interested in doing so. Robbie has been vocal about not wanting to touch the project. She made it clear that she is not in the running for the part and that her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, isn’t throwing its hat into the ring.
Tate McRae, who has often been compared to Spears due to her vocal performances and on-stage aesthetic, won’t be looking for an audition either. McRae has nothing against the idea of the biopic, nor does she seem particularly bothered by people comparing her to Spears. McRae has no interest in acting, either in a Britney Spears biopic or any other project.
Addison Rae, often characterized as a Britney superfan, isn’t jumping at the chance to play the pop superstar. Rae argued during an iHeartRadio interview that no one can really take on the role, noting that Spears is such an enigma and an icon that playing her would be nearly impossible. Rae won’t consider the role without Britney’s direct blessing. Her disinterest comes down to respect.
Nothing is official
While bookmakers are willing to roll the dice on casting, we are still in the early days of the project. For now, nothing is official. Chu has said Britney Spears herself will be closely involved in shaping the film. Based on Chu’s statement, the project’s speed will be directly influenced by Britney and where she is physically and emotionally.
She hasn’t clued fans in on who she might want to play her. For now, fans will just need to keep their eyes peeled for new updates. We know we will be.
