Debra Winger Drops Out of ‘A League of Their Own’ Due to Madonna’s Casting

Debra Winger, known for her roles in various films, was initially set to portray Dottie Hinson in the 1992 baseball movie “A League of Their Own.”

However, she made the surprising decision to withdraw from the project upon learning that Madonna had been cast by Columbia Pictures.

While many would have been thrilled to collaborate with the iconic pop star, Winger had a different perspective.

In a recent interview with The Telegraph, where she discussed her new Apple TV+ series “Mr. Corman,” Winger expressed that Madonna's involvement gave her the impression that the film would become trivial and lacking substance.

“A League of Their Own” is a fictionalized account of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL), which operated from 1943 to 1964, focusing on the renowned team, the Rockford Peaches.

Initially, Winger was slated to play the lead role of catcher Dottie, who is persuaded by her enthusiastic sister and pitcher Kit Keller (portrayed by Lori Petty) to audition for the Peaches at the onset of World War II.

The two sisters ultimately find themselves playing for the Peaches under the guidance of their somewhat neglectful coach, Jimmy Dugan (played by Tom Hanks).

Winger dedicated significant effort to prepare for the role of Dottie.

She revealed to The Telegraph that she trained extensively with the Chicago Cubs for three months.

Unfortunately, all her hard work became irrelevant when she discovered that director Penny Marshall had chosen pop superstar Madonna to portray dancer-turned-center fielder Mae “All the Way Mae” Mordabito.

Consequently, Geena Davis assumed the role of Dottie after Winger's departure.

Madonna's involvement in “A League of Their Own” extended beyond acting as she contributed an original song for the film called “This Used to Be My Playground.”

Winger accused Marshall of transforming the movie into an Elvis Presley-inspired production, which contradicted her initial expectations.

She firmly believed that Madonna's participation did not align with what she had signed up for.

Winger expressed to The Telegraph that she felt Madonna and the other leading actresses did not dedicate themselves sufficiently to make a convincing baseball film.

“While the final film was entertaining, it didn't leave you in awe of the women's accomplishments.

Instead, you questioned its authenticity,” Winger remarked.

However, Winger did acknowledge that Lori Petty was the exception and thoroughly prepared for her role.

Regarding Geena Davis, Winger commented, “She did okay,” while emphasizing that she held no ill will towards any of her co-stars.

When pressed to elaborate on her thoughts about Madonna's performance, Winger sarcastically told The Telegraph, “I think her acting career speaks for itself.”

For Winger, leaving “A League of Their Own” was an unusual decision, as she typically remains committed to her projects.

She shared that the studio supported her choice, evidenced by the fact that she still received payment despite not participating in the film.

Such outcomes are rare in