The Madonna biopic titled Who’s That Girl has had a tumultuous journey since its announcement in 2020. Julia Garner, who was cast to play the iconic singer, has expressed her hope that the project will still see the light of day.
Garner’s comments come amidst a backdrop of uncertainty and setbacks for the biopic, which was ultimately cancelled by Universal Pictures in 2023. Despite this, Garner remains optimistic, stating, “I think the movie has to get made,” though she acknowledges the uncertainty with a cautious “But we’ll see.”
Julia Garner’s Commitment to the Madonna Biopic
Garner’s involvement in the project was the result of an extensive audition process that included singing and dancing boot camps. She was chosen from a list of high-profile performers, including Florence Pugh, Alexa Demie, Odessa Young, and Bebe Rexha. The actress’s dedication to the role is evident in her continued advocacy for the project, even after its cancellation.
The biopic was not just a film project but a deeply personal endeavor for Madonna, who planned to direct and co-write the screenplay. The singer’s vision for the film required a substantial budget to capture the breadth of her extraordinary life. However, disagreements with Universal Pictures over the budget ultimately led to the project’s cancellation.
The Road to Cancellation
Madonna revealed in a interview with Interview Magazine that she spent two years working on the script and another two years dealing with budgeting and casting issues at Universal. The disagreement over the budget was a significant factor in the project’s demise. Madonna explained that her life story required a big budget to do justice to her extraordinary experiences.
Despite the setbacks, Madonna explored alternative options, including producing the film in Serbia with a lower budget. However, these plans did not materialize. The singer also considered turning her story into a series, although this effort also failed to reach production.
The Future of Madonna’s Story on Screen
While the Universal biopic remains shelved, Madonna’s life story is still heading to the screen. Netflix is developing a limited series about the singer, with Deadpool & Wolverine filmmaker Shawn Levy attached to the project. Details about the series, including which period of Madonna’s life it will focus on, have yet to be announced. Julia Garner is reportedly still being considered for the lead role in this new venture.
Garner and Madonna have maintained a close relationship, even appearing together during Madonna’s Celebration Tour in Brooklyn in. Their professional connection continued when they filmed the second season of Seth Rogen’s Apple TV+ comedy The Studio. The series even plays with the real history of the abandoned project, featuring a fictionalized version of a Madonna biopic starring Garner.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the original film, Garner’s optimism and Madonna’s enduring influence keep the dream of the biopic alive. As the entertainment world watches, the possibility of seeing Madonna’s extraordinary life on the big screen remains a tantalizing prospect.
