Back in 2002, the movie Crossroads was released, bringing pop star Britney Spears to the big screen for her transition into acting. Directed by Tamra Davis and written by Shonda Rhimes, the film followed Spears alongside Zoe Saldana and Taryn Manning as three teenage girls embarking on a cross-country road trip. Anson Mount, Kim Cattrall, and Dan Aykroyd also starred.
After the film surpassed its 20th anniversary earlier this year, it has been interesting for fans to look back and see all that's happened with the movie's leads. Saldana has certainly done some big things, joining major franchises like Star Trek and Guardians of the Galaxy. She can also be seen in the new big-budget sequel Avatar: The Way of Water, after previously appearing in the original film, which is the highest-grossing movie of all time.
But Saldana hasn't forgotten about Crossroads and the wonderful time she had working on that film. In a new interview with Entertainment Tonight, Saldana reflected on Crossroads and what she remembers from the production. Though two decades have past, Saldana can still recall how "amazing" it was to be a part of that, pointing to the talented women she had working alongside her on both sides of the camera.
"It was just amazing. I was surrounded by amazing women, from the director, Tamra [Davis], to the producer, [Ann] Carli, and Shonda, the writer, Shonda Rhimes! Come on! And Britney [Spears], and Taryn [Manning], and myself, and Anson Mount... It just felt like it was such a beautiful experience."
Saldana also has some kind words to say about Spears, who transitioned well with the movie role. When asked if Spears needed some guidance from the other actors, Saldana said that wasn't the case by offering this response.
"Britney was a natural, from the beginning."
Crossroads Was a "Beautiful" Experience for Zoe Saldana
Crossroads was the only starring role for Spears, who she would make various appearances in other films, most often playing herself. This includes cameos in Austin Powers in Goldmember and Pauly Shore Is Dead, as well as a voice cameo in the horror-comedy Corporate Animals. Spears has also had roles in the sitcoms Will & Grace and How I Met Your Mother and appeared as herself on Glee.
Manning, meanwhile, shined with her memorable role in the hit Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, playing convicted inmate Tiffany Doggett. That followed roles in other shows like Sons of Anarchy and Hawaii Five-0. On the film side, Manning recently starred as the titular character in the crime thriller Karen and had a key role in the recent movie Sanctioning Evil. She will next appear in the upcoming crime drama Miranda's Victim.