We’ve lost plenty of stars too soon. But when it comes to undiscovered potential, Aaliyah, is one of the most tragic cases you can think of as a student of popular culture. She had the look. She had the personality. And as a triple threat, she had the talent.

Fans remembered Aaliyah on social media today the same year that “Romeo Must Die” turns 25.

25 years ago, aaliyah released ‘try again’ pic.twitter.com/c3awilaTJW

— 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) February 23, 2025

The film was supposed to be an action film that was “the moment”. Aaliyah was putting out some great music and her push into film was inevitable.

Buy a set of Beats Headphones on Amazon HERE!

Jet Li, who was her co-star in the film, was in his prime. He was fresh off of his star making role as the antagonist of Lethal Weapon 3 with some martial arts that had never been seen before. He was getting a hero treatment here with someone who was also on their way up the mountain.

“Romeo Must Die” is a fun film. You can probably see what was going to happen a mile away, but you have Delroy Lindo doing some terrific work and Anthony Anderson before he would eventually become a star himself.

But as we look back at the film on its silver anniversary, we mostly think of our lost star. Aaliyah would die in a plane accident the next year at the age of 22. For context that’s the same age of Jenna Ortega or Olivia Rodrigo now.

While Aaliyah would also star in the Anne Rice “Queen of the Damned” adaptation, “Romeo Must Die” is the better film.

And goodness, we’re left wondering how many more we would have gotten from this star if we hadn’t lost her so soon.

What do you think of “Romeo Must Die”? And do you remember Aaliyah? Let me know in the comments.

If you enjoyed this post, please help the blog below. Thank you!

As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying coverage.