Madonna's Near-Misses: Iconic Movie Roles She Almost Ruined
The Queen of Pop came close to landing several legendary film characters that became career-defining for other actresses, from Catwoman to Trinity in The Matrix.
While Madonna reigns supreme in the music world, her acting career tells a different story entirely. The pop superstar has been scientifically labeled as one of cinema's worst performers, yet she came remarkably close to securing some of Hollywood's most memorable characters.
The Roles That Got Away
Two standout opportunities that slipped through Madonna's fingers were particularly significant. She nearly played Catwoman in Batman Returns, a role that ultimately went to Michelle Pfeiffer and became a defining moment in superhero cinema. Looking back, Madonna admitted "I regret that I turned down" the chance to don the leather suit.
Even more striking was her potential casting as Trinity in The Matrix. Carrie-Anne Moss eventually brought the character to life, but Madonna later expressed remorse about rejecting what she called "one of the best movies ever made."
Broadway to Big Screen Opportunities
In June 1997, announcements revealed Madonna would portray Velma Kelly in Chicago's film adaptation. However, Catherine Zeta-Jones ultimately claimed the part and earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress five years later.
Madonna had also declared her intention to star as artist Frida Kahlo in a biographical film, drawn to the painter's work. After more than a decade of development, Salma Hayek took on the passion project, producing and starring in Frida while earning a Best Actress nomination.
Additional Hollywood What-Ifs
Rumors even suggested Madonna was considered for Rose DeWitt Bukater in James Cameron's Titanic, though this seems unlikely given the character's requirements. More credibly, she revealed to Entertainment Tonight that "it was between me and Sharon Stone" for Ginger McKenna in Martin Scorsese's Casino, another Oscar-nominated performance that went elsewhere.
Her track record includes just one genuine success: Evita, where she won a Golden Globe playing a role originally intended for Meryl Streep. This remains her sole acclaimed film performance, despite Patti LuPone's vocal disagreement with the casting choice. The rest of her filmography has earned numerous Razzie nominations, cementing her reputation as a musician who couldn't successfully transition to acting.