"None of this is true": Britney Spears' biopic direct Jon M. Chu dispels rumors of starring Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande or Millie Bobby Brown

Jon M. Chu, the director, has finally put a rest to the rumors surrounding Britney Spears’ upcoming biopic. Online rumors suggested Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Millie Bobby Brown were in talks to play the pop icon. "None of this is true," Chu wrote on social media, responding to the claims.

Addressing casting rumors

On March 23, 2025, Chu spoke out about the speculation with a post on X (formerly Twitter).

His comments follow several reports this week that alluded to Grande, Carpenter, and Brown being among the front-runners for the much-coveted role. Fans speculated at lightning pace on which actress could best capture Spears, creating a firestorm of chatter online.

A Biopic Based on Britney Spears’s Memoir

The untitled biopic will reportedly be based on Spears’ 2023 memoir, The Woman in Me, which hit bestseller lists shortly after it was released. The book chronicled her rise to fame, personal struggles, and legal battles, especially the one over a 13-year conservatorship that ended in 2021.

Jon M. Chu — the director of Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights — was announced as the film’s director earlier this year. In a past interview, he told out why he was excited to bring Spears’ story to the big screen and said that the project “Has huge potential” and would like to do her story “justice.

Millie Bobby Brown and Other Actresses Have Interest

Although Chu denied casting rumors, numerous actresses have openly expressed interest in the role of Britney Spears. Millie Bobby Brown had even recently revealed in an interview that taking on the role of Spears would be a "dream role" for her due to her admiration for the pop star.

“Growing up in the public eye, watching her videos, watching interviews of her when she was young… I see the scramble for words. And I don’t know her, but when I look at pictures of her, I feel like I could tell her story in the right way — and hers only.” - Brown said on The Drew Barrymore Show

But Spears herself rebuffed the notion at the time, saying she had no desire to have Brown portray her. Emma Roberts has expressed her excitement for the role, referring to it as a "true dream" opportunity. Fans have suggested other potential actresses, meanwhile, including Sydney Sweeney and Dove Cameron.

Britney Spears’ Role in the Film

Although casting decisions aren’t closed, what is assured is that Spears is “behind the project.” Chu has stressed that the singer will be involved in how her story is depicted.

With Spears having fought to regain control over her own narrative under the conservatorship, her participation in the film could mark an important step in reclaiming her legacy.

What’s Next for the Biopic?

As the film is still in early development, it sounds like we might not hear an official casting announcement for a while. And though fans may be clamoring to know who would take on playing Spears on screen, Chu's late statement appears to imply there have been no decisions made.

Speculations are likely to continue as the project moves forward, and we'll just have to wait and watch who it is, that takes on the iconic role of Britney Spears.

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