Nearly two years after Universal Pictures acquired the rights to the Britney Spears biopic *The Woman in Me*, speculation continues over who will portray the pop icon in the forthcoming film. Among the actors under consideration, Sydney Sweeney currently emerges as a leading candidate, according to industry insiders. The 28-year-old actress is noted for her acting range and public image, which some believe align with the demands of representing Spears’s complex persona. However, no official casting decision has yet been confirmed.
The potential casting of Sweeney has sparked divided opinions among fans and commentators alike. Some question her suitability for the role, doubting her ability to replicate Spears’s distinctive performance style and stage presence, and raising concerns about who would undertake the singing and dancing components. Additionally, Sweeney’s recent involvement in controversial advertising campaigns has fueled debate. This backlash has led many to suggest other performers, such as Addison Rae or Tate McRae, whose music and dance backgrounds might better suit the role.
Addison Rae, a TikTok star turned singer and actress, presents a particularly strong case. Rae, like Spears, hails from Louisiana and has earned a Grammy nomination, enhancing her credibility. Her live performance at Lollapalooza Argentina in March, where she blended her song “I Got It Bad” with Spears’s hit “...Baby One More Time,” drew significant attention and further comparisons. Rae, however, has publicly downplayed the role’s significance, stating that she does not believe anyone “deserves” to play Spears.
Other actresses reportedly being considered include Millie Bobby Brown, Bailee Madison, and Kylie Schultz. Brown has voiced her interest in portraying Spears since 2022, describing the biopic as a significant personal goal and expressing a desire to tell Spears’s story authentically. Spears herself openly responded to Brown’s ambitions, asserting her ongoing vitality in public discourse. By early 2025, Brown moderated her stance, expressing respect for Spears as an icon while emphasizing that it is ultimately Spears’s narrative to tell. Madison, an experienced actress and singer, has amassed a background in television and film since childhood, while Schultz—a college student who gained viral attention for her Britney dance recreations on TikTok—remains an unconventional contender without official contact with the film’s creative team.
Behind the scenes, the production team is largely confirmed. Universal has enlisted director Jon M. Chu, producer Marc Platt, and screenwriter Liz Meriwether, the latter known for her work on *New Girl*. Meriwether has characterized Spears’s journey as a collision of intense public scrutiny and evolving media landscapes, suggesting the timing is apt for revisiting the singer’s story. After months of uncertainty regarding the project’s direction and Spears’s involvement, recent reports indicate renewed and more productive discussions with the pop star. Spears is expected to have significant input, which industry watchers believe could be pivotal in the final casting decision. The ultimate choice will likely require more than physical likeness or technical skill; securing Spears’s approval may prove the defining factor.