Julia Garner confirms Madonna biopic still on track, despite cancellation rumors: “Anything that’s great takes a long time”

Julia Garner confirmed biopic is still moving forward

Julia Garner spoke on the SmartLess podcast and confirmed that the long-anticipated Madonna biopic is “supposed to still happen,” despite earlier reports of cancellation. She said the film project remains in development and she is still attached to star.

Gather explained that although the initial Universal project paused during Madonna’s Celebration Tour, the collaboration and script evolution continued, reinforcing confidence that the story will eventually be told.

Tough audition showed her dedication

Garner revealed that she auditioned in front of Madonna herself, despite having no formal dance training. She learned to dance and sing just to prove she could embody the pop icon’s performance skills.

Garner said she channeled her inner strength with a mantra, “What would Madonna do?”, which grounded her confidence during the process. That fearless attitude helped her secure the role and earn Madonna’s trust.

She still calls the project worth the wait

Julia acknowledged on the podcast that while the project has moved slowly, she believes greatness requires patience. “Anything great…takes a long time,” she said, emphasizing that delays didn’t signal defeat.

Though the production remains in early stages, her steadfast optimism suggests this version, potentially titled Who’s That Girl, will eventually reach audiences, perhaps as a limited Netflix series.

From film plan to Netflix series pivot

Originally slated as a Universal feature film directed by Madonna and co-written with Diablo Cody and Erin Cressida Wilson, the project shifted direction. Universal dropped it in 2023 as Madonna prioritized her tour.

Now, reports indicate the story is being reimagined as a Netflix miniseries produced by Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps. Garner confirmed she remains involved, though the format and timeline are still undefined.

Madonna remained involved behind the scenes

Though she focused on her Celebration Tour, Madonna stayed connected to the biopic’s creative direction. Garner confirmed the singer was hands-on during early development and that the two stayed in touch throughout.

Madonna’s involvement extended to script edits, casting input, and even choreography advice. Her perfectionism, according to Garner, was part of what made the process slower, but more authentic.

Garner studied Madonna beyond the spotlight

To prepare, Garner immersed herself in Madonna’s lesser-known history, reading biographies, watching unreleased performances, and studying early interviews that showcased her ambition before fame.

She noted that understanding Madonna’s roots, how she navigated rejection, reinvention, and patriarchy, helped shape her approach. Garner aimed not to imitate, but to internalize the artist’s spirit from the inside out.

Fans had mixed reactions to casting choice

When Julia Garner was cast as Madonna in 2022, reactions ranged from thrilled to skeptical. Some praised the resemblance and her acting chops, while others questioned her musical background.

Over time, Garner’s dedication won many over. Her commitment to the role, including singing and dancing live for Madonna, reaffirmed she wasn’t cast for fame, but for grit.

Why Universal dropped the original film

Reports stated Universal Pictures pulled the plug in early 2023, citing budget concerns and scheduling conflicts tied to Madonna’s tour. The evolving scope of the project also played a role.

Insiders claimed Madonna’s insistence on creative control, directing, and co-writing made studios cautious. Still, fans and critics noted that her firsthand vision might be crucial to telling her story right.

Could the series format serve the story better?

Industry insiders suggested that shifting from a feature film to a series could be a creative win. Madonna’s life spans decades, genres, and reinventions, too much to capture in just two hours.

A multi-episode format could allow deeper storytelling, showcasing her rise from dancer to global icon. Garner didn’t confirm details, but fans hope the extended runtime will finally do Madonna’s legacy justice.

Garner felt the pressure to get it right

Julia Garner admitted the weight of portraying Madonna hasn’t eased. She described the audition as “terrifying” and the responsibility as “massive.” Still, she said the challenge is what drew her in.

Garner’s past roles in Ozark and Inventing Anna proved her range, but playing a living legend is a different beast. “I just didn’t want to let her down,” she said.

Will the music rights delay production?

Madonna owns the rights to much of her music, which could simplify clearance. But sources said some publishing rights may need renegotiation for streaming use, especially for a scripted series.

With iconic songs like “Like a Prayer” and “Vogue” expected to feature, music licensing will be key to authenticity. Garner emphasized that “the story won’t work without the soundtrack it deserves.”

Fans still want the story told by Madonna

Despite past delays and format changes, many fans remain firm: if Madonna is involved, they’ll wait. Her decision to co-write and direct is what makes this project feel unique.

Biopics often get criticized for glossing over hard truths. But with Madonna steering the ship and Garner at the helm, this one promises a version told not just about her, but by her.

Garner gained Madonna’s trust early on

Julia Garner said one of her proudest moments came when Madonna gave her a subtle nod of approval after their audition session. “She didn’t say much, but I could feel it,” Garner recalled.

That unspoken connection helped fuel her preparation. Garner noted that while Madonna is known for being a tough critic, she respected actors who brought vulnerability and courage to the role.

Five decades, countless headlines, see where the cast of ‘The Brady Bunch’ found love, lost it, and everything in between.

A legacy that demands time, not rush

Julia Garner’s final message to fans was clear: this project isn’t canceled, just evolving. “We’re still working on it,” she said. “It’s a big story, and it deserves the right time to be told.”

The biopic may not arrive tomorrow, but with Madonna involved and Garner committed, it’s a rare case of star power and purpose aligning. When it drops, it won’t be small.

Can’t wait for Madonna’s biopic? Here are 20 summer TV picks to keep you hooked until then.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and with human editing.