X-Men: The Pop Icon Who Was Almost Cast As Marvel's Storm Before Halle Berry

Do you know what happens to a toad when it's struck by lightning? Well, that famous line might have hit differently if the first casting choice for Storm in 2000's "X-Men" had accepted the role. Before Halle Berry became forever linked to the omega-level mutant in the Fox franchise's first installment, Janet Jackson was offered the gig after clarifying some confusion involving another beloved film series.

While appearing on "The Drew Barrymore Show" (via TikTok), the pop icon and aforementioned talk show host discussed gigs they both missed out on, for better or worse. When asked if there was any truth to her being cast in "The Matrix," the singer set the record straight. "It was ... this is horrible. I can't remember the film, but Halle Berry played Storm," she responded, leading Barrymore to join the dots and excitedly proclaim, "X-Men!"

Jackson, who appeared on the big screen in "The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" and "Poetic Justice," among other films, revealed that she didn't join the project because of a scheduling issue, the signature weakness of any superhero movie. "I couldn't because I was just embarking on the Janet tour," she said. "But I think that's what you're confusing it with. It wasn't 'The Matrix.'"

Things obviously worked out for the franchise, as Berry ultimately made four appearances as Storm across Fox's "X-Men" timeline thanks to Jackson's schedule requiring her to turn the part down. And, if eagle-eyed fans are correct, there's a chance there could be one more Marvel-ous appearance in the Oscar-winner's future.

While Janet Jackson might have passed on the "X-Men" role, Halle Berry joining the special effects-laden extravaganza led the actor to portray Storm on four separate occasions. And she might even suit up one more time, a decade after she last played the hero in "X-Men: Days of Future Past," thanks to "Deadpool & Wolverine."

Following the announcement of the upcoming buddy movie that will feature blades, claws, and more than a couple of cameos, fans were quick to spot Berry posting a photo on X (formerly Twitter) that showed her mutant character's signature white hair. It immediately sparked theories that she'd be appearing alongside Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds in the upcoming threequel. While there's no confirmation yet, given that among the small details hidden in the "Deadpool & Wolverine trailer are a number of familiar faces from Fox's X-Men franchise that were already teased to appear. Considering that Ray Park's Toad is among them, Berry might be another name to add to the roster. We'll have to keep watching the skies or wait to see "Deadpool & Wolverine" tearing up our screens when it arrives in theaters on July 26.

Halle Berry is just one star who may be appearing in Deadpool's MCU debut -  here are the five most outrageous "Deadpool & Wolverine" cameo rumors (that might be true).