Oscar Winning Director Jon M. Chu Confirms Mikey Madison as Britney Spears in Upcoming Biopic, Outshining Sabrina Carpenter, Millie Bobby Brown and Ariana Grande

Mikey Madison Lands Lead Role in Britney Spears Biopic, Outshining Hollywood Heavyweights

In a surprising turn of events, director Jon M. Chu has confirmed Mikey Madison as the leading actress for the highly anticipated Britney Spears biopic, beating out a roster of A-list contenders including Millie Bobby Brown, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter. The announcement has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, as fans and industry insiders alike speculated on who would portray the iconic pop star in the film adaptation of Spears’ bestselling memoir, The Woman in Me.

The biopic, helmed by Chu—fresh off the success of Wicked—promises to bring Spears’ tumultuous and triumphant life story to the big screen. Universal Pictures secured the rights to the memoir after a heated bidding war in 2024, and with Chu at the helm, anticipation has been building for what could be a defining cinematic moment for the “Princess of Pop.” Spears herself is said to be deeply involved in the project, ensuring her voice and perspective shape the narrative.

A Competitive Casting Race

Rumors had been swirling for months about the casting process, with names like Millie Bobby Brown, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter frequently topping fan polls and insider reports. Brown, known for her role in Stranger Things, had openly campaigned for the part, calling it her “dream role” as early as 2022. Grande, who recently collaborated with Chu on Wicked, was praised for her vocal prowess and acting chops, making her a natural fit in the eyes of many. Meanwhile, Carpenter’s rising star power and pop sensibilities had fans buzzing about her potential to channel Spears’ energy.

Despite the hype surrounding these high-profile names, Chu’s decision to cast Mikey Madison has shifted the spotlight to the Anora star, whose breakout performance in the 2025 indie hit has already garnered critical acclaim and Oscar buzz. Madison, a relative newcomer compared to her competitors, brings a fresh face and raw talent to the role, aligning with Chu’s vision for an authentic and emotionally resonant portrayal of Spears.

Mikey Madison: The Unexpected Choice

At just 25 years old, Mikey Madison has quickly risen through the ranks of Hollywood with standout roles in projects like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and the aforementioned Anora. Her ability to blend vulnerability with intensity has drawn comparisons to Spears’ own journey—from her early days as a teen idol to her struggles under a highly publicized conservatorship. Chu reportedly saw Madison as the perfect fit to capture the complexity of Spears’ life, a sentiment echoed by Spears herself, who has been throwing out casting ideas alongside the director.

“Britney’s story is one of resilience, heart, and authenticity,” Chu said in a recent statement. “Mikey has the depth and spirit to bring that to life in a way that feels true to who Britney is.” While Chu had previously dismissed casting rumors as premature—telling fans in March 2025 that no decisions had been made—this confirmation signals that the project is now moving full steam ahead.

What This Means for the Biopic

The choice of Madison over more established names like Brown, Grande, and Carpenter suggests Chu is prioritizing an actor who can embody Spears’ essence over star power alone. It’s a bold move that could pay off, given Madison’s recent accolades and her ability to tackle challenging roles. The biopic, still in development as of March 26, 2025, will draw heavily from The Woman in Me, which sold over 2.5 million copies in the U.S. alone and became Simon & Schuster’s fastest-selling audiobook, narrated by Michelle Williams with an introduction by Spears herself.

Fans can expect the film to explore key moments in Spears’ life: her rise to fame with hits like “…Baby One More Time,” her time on The Mickey Mouse Club, and the 13-year conservatorship that sparked the #FreeBritney movement. With Spears’ direct input and Chu’s track record of delivering visually stunning and emotionally impactful films, the biopic is poised to be a cultural milestone.

The Road Ahead

While a release date has yet to be announced, the casting of Mikey Madison marks a significant step forward for the project. As Chu juggles post-production on Wicked: For Good (set for release in November 2025), the Britney Spears biopic is expected to ramp up production in the coming months. For Madison, this role could catapult her into the stratosphere, cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most promising talents.

For now, fans of Britney Spears—and Mikey Madison—are buzzing with excitement. The unexpected casting decision has already sparked lively debates online, with many eager to see how Madison will step into the pop icon’s shoes. One thing is certain: this biopic is shaping up to be a celebration of Spears’ legacy, told through the lens of a rising star who’s ready to shine.