In 2002, as Britney Spears soared to the top of the pop charts, she ventured into the world of acting, making her feature film debut in “Crossroads.” Directed by Tamra Davis and written by Shonda Rhimes before her illustrious career with hits like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Bridgerton,” the film aimed to showcase Spears as a multi-dimensional young woman, defying the caricatures often associated with celebrities.
“Crossroads” follows the journey of three high school graduates, portrayed by Spears, Zoe Saldana, and Taryn Manning, as they embark on a road trip from their small Louisiana town to the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Along the way, they discover their true identities and strengthen their bond of friendship.
Recalling her experience working with Spears, Rhimes emphasized her interest in portraying the genuine person behind the public image. In a 2016 interview with Vice’s Broadly, Rhimes noted, “She was a person, and I don’t think anyone at the time was looking at her… as a person. The idea that we could portray her as a three-dimensional young woman was interesting to me. To have mean-girled her and turned her into a caricature would have been a mistake.”
Despite the passage of time, the memories of “Crossroads” remain cherished by the cast. Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly in September 2021, Orange Is the New Black alum Taryn Manning, who played Mimi in the film, expressed her fondness for the experience. Manning shared, “We spent months in the car that we took ‘cross country,’ sharing stories, joking, laughing, and had a friendship for years, especially while filming. I wish her only the best and am so happy about the progress of this week [amid her conservatorship case]. Nothing but love for Brit!”
The film also featured notable actors such as Kim Cattrall, Dan Aykroyd, and Justin Long, who portrayed Lucy’s family and friends. Long, reflecting on his time working with Spears, recalled her genuine kindness and down-to-earth nature. He shared his surprise at encountering a person who seemed unaffected by the overwhelming fame surrounding her. Long told Us in May 2020, “She just seemed, like, such a down-to-earth [person]. I remember being so disarmed by how normal she seemed. It was at the height of her fame, and, like, everyone else, I was inundated by images of her. She was so popular, so famous.”
“I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman,” performed by Spears, served as one of the film’s signature tracks, alongside her cover of “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” As “Crossroads” celebrated its 20th anniversary in February 2022, director Tamra Davis acknowledged that while there might have been more financial prospects in Spears’ music career, the film provided a unique opportunity for artistic expression. Davis stated, “We wanted to make this cool, indie, road trip chick flick and not try to be all polished and puffy.”
For Spears, “Crossroads” held a special place in her heart. Davis revealed that the film had a significant impact on the singer’s life. In an interview with Variety, Davis shared, “I know how much ‘Crossroads’ meant to [Britney] — she’s told me and she’s told [producer] Ann Carli that it was one of the most incredible experiences and very impactful months in her life.”
As time moves forward, “Crossroads” continues to be remembered not only for its significance in Spears’ career but also for the genuine friendships that were formed on set. The film reminds us that behind the glitz and glamour of fame, there are real people with real emotions and experiences. And for Britney Spears, “Crossroads” became a vehicle for self-discovery and personal growth, resonating with her long after its release.
