"I can’t remember the film" — Janet Jackson on being offered the role of Storm in X-Men movie which was played by Halle Berry

In a recent episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, which aired on April 26, Janet Jackson shared a revealing anecdote about her near involvement in a major film project, which she ultimately passed on due to her busy schedule.

During her appearance, Jackson said:

"Ooh, this is horrible — I can’t remember the film."

However, she clarified that it was the role of Storm in the X-Men movie, a part later portrayed by Halle Berry. This candid revelation came as a surprise to many, including the audience members, who reacted astonishingly, as this information had never been mentioned before.

Janet Jackson expressed regret about having to decline the role because of her commitment to the Janet tour at the time. She shared:

"But I couldn’t because I was just embarking on the Janet tour."

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Janet Jackson explains the reason behind turning her back on X-Men

During the interview, Janet Jackson further elaborated on her decision, emphasizing her dedication to her music career over potential acting opportunities, despite the allure of a significant role in such a high-budget film.

She explained that at the time of the offer, she was fully focused on her Janet tour, also known as the Janet World Tour, which took place from November 1993 to April 1995. This timeline coincided closely with the filming schedule of X-Men, which began in September 1999. Jackson's commitment to her tour meant she had to decline the role that came her way.

This scheduling clash between her tour and the filming of X-Men made it impossible for Jackson to participate in the movie due to her concert commitments. The Janet Tour was an ambitious project featuring elaborate stage designs, numerous costume changes, and a setlist that included a mix of her hits and deeper emotional explorations through her music.

During the interview, when asked about whether she'd consider taking on another onscreen project in the coming future, Jackson responded, "I would, for sure." She highlighted her ongoing interest in film despite previous sacrifices she's made for her music career.

Host Drew Barrymore related to Jackson's experience by recalling her own missed opportunity. She shared:

"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."

Barrymore shared this personal anecdote, emphasizing the commonality of such experiences in the entertainment industry, where scheduling conflicts and career directions can lead to significant role changes.

She added further:

"It’s so hard when you, like, are thinking of doing a film and then you don’t end up doing it."

In addition to discussing missed roles, Janet Jackson reflected on her successful acting career, including films like Why Did I Get Married? and Poetic Justice. These roles showcased her versatility and success across different entertainment mediums, contributing to her overall legacy as an artist.

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Janet Jackson's Together Again tour

Janet Jackson's 2024 Together Again Tour is set to be a significant event as it marks her 50th anniversary in the entertainment industry. The tour will celebrate major milestones of Jackson’s career, highlighting the anniversaries of her acclaimed albums: The Velvet Rope (25 years), Janet (30 years), and Rhythm Nation (35 years).

The tour kicks off on June 4, 2024, at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, CA, and will cover various major North American cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Brooklyn, wrapping up on July 30, 2024, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ.

This tour follows her highly successful 2023 run, which emerged as the highest-selling trek of her career. The tour featured 36 sold-out shows and garnered praise from critics and fans alike for Jackson’s dynamic performances.

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Tickets for the Together Again Tour are available for general sale, which has already started on January 19, 2024, with presales beginning a few days earlier.