Charli XCX Contemplates Leaving Music for Acting

Charli XCX has hinted at the possibility of stepping away from her music career to focus on acting, signalling a dramatic new direction for the acclaimed pop artist.

The revelation comes shortly after the release of Brat, widely regarded as her most successful album to date. The project has earned critical acclaim, including Grammy awards for Best Dance/Electronic Album, Best Recording Package, and Best Dance Pop Recording for the track “Von Dutch.” Despite these achievements, Charli has spoken candidly about feeling vulnerable amidst her recent success, and increasingly drawn to other creative pursuits.

Speaking on the 22 February episode of Feeding Starving Celebrities with Quenlin Blackwell, Charli did not mince words when asked about her ambitions. “Yes, are you kidding? I want to quit music, babe, and act. What else is there to do?” she replied. She also teased her ideal project: “You know what I really want to do? I made a TikTok about this. An ultimate It-Girl Final Destination,” hinting at a blend of glamour and suspense in her acting aspirations.

Charli’s recent career trajectory may help explain her desire for change. The success of Brat opened her up to a vast new audience and shifted her position in the music industry, a transformation she described as “heavy, confusing and very vulnerable” during a February appearance on The Graham Norton Show.

“My response was to make art, so when I was asked to make a real documentary—a concert film—I wanted to poke fun at myself and that world. The music industry is ripe for satire, and I really enjoyed doing it,” she added, reflecting on her mockumentary The Moment.

Charli also emphasised her long-standing interest in cinema. “Even when I am making music, I am not always listening to music. I’ve always watched and got inspiration from films, so after a while, I thought, ‘How could I work in that world?’ I don’t feel I have to decide which world I work in. I want to do what makes me feel good in the moment.”

Her foray into acting already includes several notable roles. Aside from The Moment, she appeared in Gregg Araki’s I Want Your Sex and has upcoming roles in The Gallerist and Faces of Death.

While fans may hope for more music, Charli XCX’s evolving interests suggest she is committed to exploring whichever artistic avenue feels most fulfilling at the moment.