Julia Garner addresses the long-delayed Madonna biopic in a new interview, insisting the movie has to get made despite past studio setbacks.
Emmy-winning actress Julia Garner (Ozark, The Fantastic Four: First Steps) has made it clear that she is not closing the book on the long-delayed Madonna biopic. Originally greenlit by Universal Pictures back in 2020 with Madonna set to direct and co-write, the high-profile biographical project was halted in early 2023.
Speaking in an interview with ELLE for its October 2026 issue, Garner double down on her conviction that the Queen of Pop's life story belongs on the big screen. Though no official release window or active studio home is attached to the feature film version, the project remains one of the most talked-about unproduced films in Hollywood.
What Is the Status of the Julia Garner Madonna Movie?
Despite years of development turbulence, Garner remains eager to step into the boots of the pop icon.
- Garner's Optimism: "I think the movie has to get made," Garner told ELLE regarding the shelved feature, keeping hope alive for fans who followed the brutal audition process.
- The Infamous "Madonna Bootcamp": Garner secured the lead role in 2022 after surviving a grueling months-long selection process. She beat out top contenders including Florence Pugh, Alexa Demie, Odessa Young, and Bebe Rexha in intense 11-hour singing and choreography sessions.
- No Official Greenlight: As of now, Universal Pictures has not resumed production. The original film remains unproduced, though rights and concepts continue to float among major distributors.
Why Was the Original Universal Pictures Biopic Canceled?
While early reports linked the 2023 delay to Madonna launching her massive, career-spanning Celebration Tour, the pop legend clarified the financial realities behind the cancellation.
- Creative and Budgetary Friction: Madonna revealed that after spending two years refining the script and another two years in pre-production at Universal, she clashed with studio executives over budget scale. She insisted that a life as grand as hers required a blockbuster budget that the studio was unwilling to finance.
- Failed Budget Alternatives: Madonna explored alternative options, including shooting for a significantly lower budget in Serbia or transitioning the story into a limited series, though those direct avenues fell through.
- Current TV Alternative: Separation between the film and television rights opened the door for Netflix, which launched development on a separate autobiographical series project with producer Shawn Levy attached.
How Is Apple TV+ Parodying the Madonna Biopic Saga?
While the real-world biopic remains in limbo, Garner and Madonna have turned the behind-the-scenes drama into comedy gold.
- Meta Storyline in The Studio: The duo recently united on set in Venice, Italy, to film scenes for Season 2 of Seth Rogen's Emmy-winning satire series The Studio on Apple TV+.
- Playing Themselves: The two-part episode storyline fictionalizes the real production, imagining a universe where Seth Rogen's Continental Studios resurrects the shelved project and takes it all the way to a premier at the Venice Film Festival.
- Unbreakable Bond: Outside of satire, Garner and Madonna have maintained a tight friendship, with Garner appearing on stage during the Celebration Tour in Brooklyn, proving their collaboration is far from over.
This video gives a great breakdown of Julia Garner and Madonna teaming up to parody their scrapped film project on set. The Studio Season 2 Brings Madonna and Julia Garner Together