Debra Winger Quits ‘A League of Their Own’ Due to Madonna’s Casting: Considers it an Elvis Film

Debra Winger, a three-time Oscar nominee, has clarified why she decided to leave her leading role in director Penny Marshall's beloved 1992 baseball film, “A League of Their Own.”

According to Winger, 66, she objected to Madonna's casting because it transformed the project into “an Elvis film.”

Madonna, who had previously starred as Breathless Mahoney in 1990's “d–k Tracy,” was cast as center fielder Mae Mordabito in the story of the first female professional baseball league.

Winger explained that the studio agreed with her because it was the only time she received compensation despite not participating in the film.

She described collecting her pay even though she did not play as a challenging feat to achieve in court.

Geena Davis, who took over Winger's role as catcher Dottie Hinson, revealed interesting details about “A League of Their Own” on the film's 25th anniversary.

The sports comedy-drama also starred Lori Petty as pitcher Kit Keller, Rosie O'Donnell as Doris Murphy, and Tom Hanks as manager Jimmy Dugan.

Winger expressed her disappointment with the film, believing that it failed to properly honor the real-life players it was based on.

She felt that while the movie was entertaining, it did not adequately convey the accomplishments of these women, leaving viewers questioning the authenticity of the story.

Winger, who had undergone three months of training with the Chicago Cubs for the role, believed that the actors did not receive sufficient training to convincingly portray baseball players on screen.

She acknowledged that Petty and Davis performed relatively well.

Despite her reservations, Winger holds no grudges against her fellow cast members.

“I certainly don't begrudge any of them,” she stated.

“A League of Their Own” made history as the first film directed by a woman to surpass $100 million at the box office.

In 2012, it was also selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

Marshall, who passed away in 2018, had initially considered Demi Moore for the lead role.

However, Moore was pregnant at the time and unable to take on the part.

Davis admitted that she, too, had concerns about Madonna's casting before filming began.

The actress wondered if they would be able to communicate with Madonna or if she would be accompanied by an entourage, isolating herself from the rest of the cast.

However, Davis praised Madonna for being a team player, working hard, and even enduring painful stunts for the sake of the film.

When asked about Madonna's performance, Winger indirectly criticized her acting career, noting that it has spoken for itself.

Madonna's last major film role was in 2002's “Swept Away.”