Honestly, if you still think of Maddie Ziegler as just "that girl from the Sia videos" or the stressed-out prodigy on Dance Moms, you’ve missed a massive shift. The transition from reality TV star to a legitimate actor is usually a train wreck. We've seen it a dozen times. But Maddie Ziegler in movie roles has become a case study in how to actually pivot without losing your soul—or your career—in the process.
It wasn’t an overnight win. Not even close.
Her first few steps into Hollywood were, frankly, a bit of a gamble. You had The Book of Henry in 2017, where she played the girl next door in a plot that felt like a fever dream. Then there was the whole Music debacle. We have to talk about that because it was a turning point. The film, directed by Sia, was hit with intense criticism regarding its portrayal of autism. Maddie won a Razzie for it. For a teenager, that kind of public backlash could have been a career-ender. Most people would have retreated back to the dance studio and called it a day.
The Fallout and the Big Pivot
Instead of vanishing, she changed her strategy. She stopped being "the dancer who acts" and started being an actor who happens to know how to move.
The real breakthrough—the moment critics actually sat up—was The Fallout (2021). If you haven't seen it, go watch it. It’s heavy. She plays Mia, a popular, somewhat isolated influencer who bonds with Jenna Ortega’s character after they hide in a bathroom stall during a school shooting.
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There’s this one scene where they’re just sitting on the floor, traumatized and high, trying to feel something other than terror. Maddie’s performance was stripped back. No heavy makeup, no "stage face," no over-the-top choreography. It was quiet. It was real. Working with director Megan Park seemed to unlock something in her. Park reportedly had Maddie watch The Florida Project and Eighth Grade to get into that raw, awkward Gen Z headspace. It worked.
Why Spielberg Changed the Game
Then came West Side Story. Look, getting cast by Steven Spielberg is basically the industry's way of saying, "Okay, you're allowed to be here."
She played Velma, one of the Jet Girls. While it wasn't a massive speaking role, her screen presence was undeniable. You could see the years of technical dance training being funneled into a character that felt lived-in. She wasn't just hitting marks; she was world-building with her body.
Recent Roles: Fitting In and My Old Ass
By 2024 and 2025, the roles started getting weirder and better. Fitting In (originally titled Bloody Hell) is probably her most "adult" work to date. She plays Lindy, a teen diagnosed with MRKH syndrome—a condition where she’s born without a uterus.
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It’s a "traumedy." It’s awkward, graphic, and deeply uncomfortable at times. But it proved she could carry a movie. She wasn't the sidekick anymore. She won an award at the Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards for it, which isn't the Oscars, sure, but it’s proof that the industry is taking her seriously as a lead.
Then there’s My Old Ass, directed by Megan Park again. It’s clear these two have a "director-muse" thing going on. Maddie plays Ruthie, and while the movie belongs to Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza, Maddie’s inclusion felt natural. She’s become part of that "cool indie" circle, which is a far cry from the Lifetime channel.
What’s Coming Next in 2026?
As of right now, in early 2026, we’re looking at two major projects that might push her even further:
- Ballerina Overdrive: This one sounds wild. It’s an action-thriller about a group of ballerinas who get stranded at a remote inn and have to fight for survival. Think John Wick meets Black Swan. It’s produced by 87North (the Atomic Blonde and Nobody people), so the stunts are going to be insane.
- Shiver: This is the big one for the YA crowd. Based on Maggie Stiefvater’s massive werewolf romance novel, Maddie plays Grace Brisbane. It’s been in post-production for a bit due to some funding hiccups in 2025, but the buzz is still there. If this lands right, she’s entering that Twilight level of fandom.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Career
People think she got these roles because of her Instagram followers. Honestly? That probably helped get her in the room. But Hollywood is full of influencers who can't act their way out of a paper bag.
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The difference with Maddie is that she actually studied the craft. She’s gone on record saying she hates watching herself on screen—which is a very "actor" thing to say—and she’s moved away from the "pretty girl" roles to find things that are messy.
She’s also avoided the trap of being "too polished." In her early days, every hair was in place. Now, in movies like Fitting In, she looks like a real person. Sweat, smeared mascara, bad moods. That’s how you build longevity.
Practical Steps for Following Her Trajectory
If you're looking to catch up on the essential Maddie Ziegler filmography, don't just watch everything. Some of it is skip-able. Start with The Fallout to see her range, then move to Fitting In for her ability to handle complex, sensitive lead material. If you're a fan of the technical side of film, watch her in West Side Story just to see how a professional dancer adapts to Spielberg's sweeping camera movements. Keep an eye out for the Ballerina Overdrive trailer—if the choreography is as tight as the rumors suggest, it’ll be the definitive "Maddie Ziegler movie" that finally bridges her two worlds perfectly.