Janet Jackson, Drew Barrymore: Iconic Roles Rejected, Here’s Why

Drew Barrymore and Janet Jackson are reflecting on their acting journeys and exploring the reasons behind their decisions to decline roles in specific films as per The Hollywood Reporter. During her recent guest appearance on ‘The Drew Barrymore Show,’ Michael Jackson’s sister hinted at the iconic superhero role she nearly took on. When asked about […]

Janet Jackson, Drew Barrymore: Iconic Roles Rejected, Here's Why
by Khushi Rawat - April 26, 2024, 8:07 pm

Drew Barrymore and Janet Jackson are reflecting on their acting journeys and exploring the reasons behind their decisions to decline roles in specific films as per The Hollywood Reporter.

During her recent guest appearance on ‘The Drew Barrymore Show,’ Michael Jackson’s sister hinted at the iconic superhero role she nearly took on.

When asked about her interest in being part of The Matrix, she replied, “No,” Jackson further explained that although she couldn’t recall the title of the film, she was aware of who was cast in the role after she declined the offer.
“It was … this is horrible,” the Good Times alum stated. “I can’t remember the film, but Halle Berry played Storm.” Barrymore exclaimed in response, “X-Men?”

“I couldn’t because I was just embarking on the Janet tour,” Jackson added. “But I think that’s what you’re confusing it with. It wasn’t The Matrix.”

Berry debuted as the superhero Storm in the Marvel comic book film adaptation in 2001. She subsequently reprised her role in the movies X2, X-Men: The Last Stand, and X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Barrymore then remembered declining another significant opportunity during that period in favor of something else. Drawing a parallel to Jackson’s experience, Barrymore noted that she too has turned down projects in the past that she later regretted.

“It’s so hard when you, like, are thinking of doing a film and then you don’t end up doing it,” she said.  “I have so many of those experiences. I’ve never said this out loud, Boogie Nights. There was a moment where we were talking about Boogie Nights and I think it’s when I went and did Ever After [A Cinderella Story] and I went in a very different direction.”
The 1997 film Boogie Nights featured Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, and Heather Graham. The actress from 50 First Dates did not reveal the role she was offered in the movie. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actress from Poetic Justice expressed willingness to return to the screen, stating, “I would for sure,” when asked if she would be open to making another on-screen appearance after more than a decade away.