The Madonna biopic has received a clear update from lead actress Julia Garner, who confirmed the project remains alive despite earlier reports claiming it was canceled. First announced in 2020, the film has undergone multiple script revisions by Oscar-winning writer Diablo Cody and screenwriter Cressida Wilson. Garner, who was cast as Madonna in 2022 after a competitive audition process, shared insights into the biopic’s uncertain journey so far.
Directed by Madonna herself, the project was reportedly halted in 2023 when the pop icon focused on her world tour. At that time, Universal was said to have suspended development, with Madonna prioritizing her music career while expressing ongoing commitment to eventually completing the film. During a recent appearance on the SmartLess podcast hosted alongside Jason Bateman, Garner reassured fans that the biopic is still intended to proceed and expressed her admiration for Madonna’s work.
Behind the Scenes of Julia Garner’s Role and Audition
Garner described how embracing the role came naturally once she discovered the opportunity to portray Madonna. A longtime fan who grew up listening to her music, she felt compelled to audition. Preparing for the role required intensive training in both dance and singing, despite Garner not being professionally trained in either. She described channeling Madonna’s confidence as a key part of her audition strategy.
Reflecting on the experience, Garner explained,
“That’s supposed to still happen… I kind of just wanted to see if I could do it, because I wasn’t a trained dancer and I had to learn how to dance and then dance in front of her and convince her that I can dance, basically, and sing. And sing with her! … OK, what would Madonna do? Which is convince you that she deserves, you know, to be in this room, and I owned it. I was kind of like, ‘You can take it or leave it, but if you leave it, if I leave, then that’s on you.’”
—Julia Garner, Actress
She further encouraged patience regarding the project’s delay, reminding admirers that
“anything that’s great… takes a long time.”
—Julia Garner, Actress
Current Developments and What They Indicate for the Film
This confirmation effectively revives hopes for the Madonna biopic after it was widely believed to be canceled in 2023. Madonna’s extended world tour and other commitments had cast doubt on the project’s continuation. Meanwhile, Julia Garner, whose upcoming films “Wolf Man,” “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” and “Weapons” are scheduled for release in 2025, has maintained her involvement.
Garner secured the role through a rigorous audition process, competing against notable talents such as Florence Pugh, Alexa Demie from “Euphoria,” Odessa Young, and singer Bebe Rexha. Her success reflects her growing prominence among contemporary actresses and her dedication to embodying the pop icon authentically.
Challenges and Uncertainties Remaining for the Biopic’s Future
Despite this positive update, the production timeline and overall development status remain unclear. The project’s scripts, crafted separately by Diablo Cody and Cressida Wilson, have yet to be finalized. Coordinating schedules between Julia Garner and Madonna adds another layer of complexity, leaving a firm release or filming date uncertain. At this stage, the Madonna biopic is still in development but has no definitive timeline.
Julia Garner’s statements have renewed interest among fans and industry observers, signaling that while progress may be slow, the film continues to hold significance for both the star and the pop icon herself. The story of Madonna’s life remains poised for the big screen, awaiting the right moment to fully come together.
