Say what? Taylor Swift is Jane Porter.

Could Taylor Swift be the next Jane Porter?

Okay, so here's the deal: during our recent Carolina Calots meeting someone came up with this wild idea that Taylor Swift would be a perfect fit to play Jane Porter. I know, it might

Margo Robbie as Jane (2016)

make you raise an eyebrow or two, but the truth is the idea may be a stroke of genius. After her billion-dollar turn as Barbie, it is highly unlikely that Magot Robbie will ever return to the role of Jane Porter. So if that is a hope in the Burroughs universe it needs to rest in peace.

It is a strong belief that a Burroughs project in the movie or streaming worlds with real fan appeal needs to happen to build a new younger fan base. Both John Carter (2012) and The Legend of Tarzan (2016) failed to achieve even a glimmer of energy. If Burroughs is going to see a second renaissance it needs a big shot in the arm of WOW.

Taylor Swift in Amsterdam (2002)

According to Ms. Swift's IMDB page, she has appeared in a few things other than music videos. One of our Calots said she did a good job in the 2022 film Amsterdam opposite Christian Bale and (surprise, surprise) Margo Robbie. So she isn't without talent in the acting field. ERB Inc. appears to have fashioned the new Jane Porter as a trailblazing woman adventurer in the same vein as Lara Croft from Tomb Raider and Phryne Fisher from the Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries. Taylor Swift at 33 has the vitality to tackle a highly action-packed role and could carry a franchise forward for a number of years.

Taylor's big draw would be a built-in fanbase that is unprecedented in the entertainment industry. Wikipedia says journalists consider Swifties "as one of the largest and most devoted fanbases, Swifties are known for their high levels of participation, creativity, and fanaticism." This doesn't mean a Jane Porter feature would need to be done on the cheap, but done right, with a good script and budget, it could rocket the Burroughs name and product back into the stratosphere.

Jane Porter®: The Primordial Peril

Now, I know there are purists out there who might have some strong opinions about Jane Porter as the new hero in the Burroughs universe. After all, she plays a minor role compared to other characters (she appears in 10 of 23 Tarzan novels), and she doesn't fit the traditional Burroughs mold of the author's primary, male protagonist. But hey, let's think outside the box for a moment and explore new horizons.

The female market is booming and it's time to tap into that potential. Just take a look at someone like Taylor Swift - she has captured hearts and minds with her music, breaking boundaries and redefining what it means to be a successful female artist in today's world. Similarly, introducing Jane Porter as a strong female hero could bring in new directions for the Burroughs franchise.

Sure, it might seem like a departure from the norm, but isn't that what keeps things interesting? By embracing change and providing representation for different demographics, we can potentially attract new fans who identify with Jane Porter's character. It's definitely an unconventional idea, but sometimes those are the ones that end up making waves in showbiz.

Jane Porter® and the City of Fire Graphic Novel.

Then once you get one product up and running the others have a chance of falling into place a piece at a time.

So Burroughs fans don't frown when you think of this possible casting concept. Instead embrace it with gusto, because it could be the magic that catapults our beloved Edgar Rice Burroughs into the world spotlight once again.

(Disclaimer: Please note that all the images are the property of ERB Inc. and have been altered only as a representation of how Taylor Swift might become Jane Porter. It is also important to note that Taylor Swift has not endorsed this idea, and the incorporation of her images into the art was only to showcase the real possibilities of this concept. )