Mikey Madison is gaining attention. After her strong role in Anora, she won a BAFTA and an Independent Spirit Award. At 26, many directors say they want to cast her.

However, few know she “nearly boarded one of the most iconic franchises in cinema history: Star Wars.”

Careful Career Choices

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Madison explained her recent choices. Since Anora premiered at Cannes 2024, she has been “highly selective” about new roles.

For example, she considered Reptilia, a love story about a dental hygienist and a mermaid, directed by Alejandro Landes. At the same time, she eyed “a galaxy far, far away.”

Almost Joining Star Wars

Rumors said Mikey Madison was considered for a new Star Wars film directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling. Although she didn’t reveal details, the buzz was “very real.”

Levy has worked closely with Lucasfilm since 2022. He said on a podcast that the project “forced me to think about” making a fresh story, as he didn’t want “a Star Wars movie that is redundant to others.”

This new direction likely attracted Madison, who is known for choosing unconventional roles. Still, the casting “didn’t ultimately come together.”

Building a Strong Career

Before Anora, Madison impressed audiences as Susan Atkins in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) and with a role in Scream 5 (2022).

Now, with scripts “landing at her feet” and her phone “ringing off the hook,” Madison may have passed on the lightsaber for now, but “you never know what the future might hold.”