Julia Garner (left); Madonna (right). People.com
Julia Garner has revealed that the highly anticipated Madonna biopic is not dead yet. Despite reports of delays, the Ozark and Inventing Anna star says the film is “supposed to still happen.”
Passion Meets Preparation
Speaking on the SmartLess podcast with Sean Hayes, Will Arnett, and Jason Bateman, Garner shared insights about the long-gestating project. The Emmy-winning actress, currently in theaters with The Fantastic Four: First Steps, recalled how she landed the coveted role.
A lifelong fan of Madonna’s music, Garner said the opportunity to play the pop icon was irresistible. “I knew they were making a movie,” she explained. “I went out to audition. I kind of just wanted to see if I could do it.”
Dancer by Determination
While acting came naturally to Garner, dancing didn’t. “I’m not a trained dancer,” she admitted. To prepare, she had to learn choreography and then perform in front of Madonna herself.
Garner channeled Madonna’s own fearless confidence during the audition process. “What would Madonna do? Convince you she deserves to be in that room,” she said. “I owned it. I was like, ‘You can take it or leave it. But if you leave it, that’s on you.’”
Project Delayed, Not Dead
Garner was officially linked to the Madonna biopic in 2022, after her breakout success in Inventing Anna. A source told PEOPLE that year that Madonna personally handpicked her.
But in January 2023, Variety reported that Universal Pictures had halted development. Despite that setback, Garner and Madonna remained close. The two were photographed together at Steven Klein’s birthday celebration in May 2023. Later that year, in December, Garner even joined the pop legend on stage during a Brooklyn concert.
Madonna’s Commitment Remains Strong
Madonna hasn't given up on the film. In July 2024, she shared updates about the script and revealed a working title: Who’s That Girl, echoing her 1987 hit film and song.
By May 2025, new life was breathed into the project. Deadline reported that Madonna was now working with Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy. The two are developing a limited Netflix series chronicling the singer’s life, a possible evolution of the original movie idea.
This new direction could prove to be a natural fit for Garner, who already has a strong relationship with Netflix thanks to her roles in Ozark and Inventing Anna.
What’s Next for Julia Garner?
Beyond the Madonna biopic, Garner continues to make waves in Hollywood. She stars as the Silver Surfer in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, currently in theaters. Her next big-screen project, Weapons, hits theaters on August 8.
Despite the hurdles, Garner remains optimistic about playing Madonna. “Good things take time to bake,” she said. With her talent, grit, and connection to the Queen of Pop, she may still get her moment to express herself on screen.
