How Madonna Nearly Changed Hollywood’s Most Iconic Movie Roles

Madonna ’s influence on music is undeniable, but her journey in film has been a different story. While she’s a household name in pop, her acting career has never quite reached the same heights. Despite her fame, she’s rarely been associated with truly legendary film roles. Yet, there were moments when she was just a step away from landing parts that could have rewritten her reputation in Hollywood.

Missed Opportunities and Near Misses

It ’s no secret that critics have often been harsh on Madonna’s performances, with some even labeling her among the least talented actors in cinema history. Still, her portrayal in Evita stands out as a rare highlight. Taking on a role originally intended for Meryl Streep, she earned a Golden Globe and delivered what many consider her best work on screen. Even so, the rest of her filmography is littered with Razzie Awards and nominations, a testament to her struggles in the acting world.

Landing a major role in a celebrated film might not have completely changed public opinion, but it could have given her a few more hits and perhaps spared her from some of the harshest criticism. The most notable roles she missed out on were Catwoman in Batman Returns and Trinity in The Matrix . Michelle Pfeiffer and Carrie-Anne Moss brought these characters to life, but Madonna later admitted,

“I regret that I turned down”

Catwoman, and called passing on Trinity a mistake, saying it was

“one of the best movies ever made.”

Roles That Slipped Away

Madonna’s list of almost-roles doesn’t end there. In 1997, she was announced as the lead for Velma Kelly in the film adaptation of Chicago. Five years later, Catherine Zeta-Jones took home an Oscar for that very part. Years before, Madonna had expressed a strong desire to portray artist Frida Kahlo, whose life and work she deeply admired. Ultimately, Salma Hayek not only starred in Frida but also produced the film, earning an Academy Award nomination for her performance.

There were even rumors that she was considered for the role of Rose in Titanic , a casting choice that seems hard to imagine now. Madonna herself revealed that she was in the running alongside Sharon Stone for the part of Ginger McKenna in Martin Scorsese’s Casino , another role that ended up with an Oscar nomination.

What Could Have Been

Would Madonna have outshined the actresses who ultimately played these roles? It’s highly unlikely. Still, it’s fascinating to think about how different these films—and her career—might have been if she’d said yes. That’s one Oscar-winning role, two Oscar-nominated performances, and two pop culture icons that could have had Madonna’s name attached. And if the rumors are true, even Titanic was almost part of her story. In the end, Hollywood may have dodged a bullet, as it’s hard to imagine anyone but the chosen stars bringing these characters to life.

Every Iconic Role Madonna Almost Played

Here’s a look at the legendary roles Madonna nearly took on:

• Catwoman (Batman Returns)
• Trinity (The Matrix)
• Velma Kelly (Chicago)
• Frida Kahlo (Frida)
• Ginger McKenna (Casino)