Madonna’s life story was headed to the large screen—nevertheless it seems plans have stalled. In September 2020, Universal Pictures confirmed that a biopic in regards to the pop superstar is within the works, with Madonna directing and co-writing the film. But in late January 2023, reports broke that the project is on hold while the superstar goes on tour.
While we wait for more updates, we have rounded up what we all know in regards to the Madonna biopic to this point.
What happened to the Madonna biopic?
On January 24, Variety reported citing multiple sources that the film was now not in production at Universal Pictures. The news arrived shortly after Madonna announced her massive Celebration Tour, which might run from July 15 to December 1, 2023.
Insiders told the outlet that the tour is Madonna’s primary focus right away, but she’s committed to directing a movie about her life eventually.
“I need to convey the incredible journey that life has taken me on as an artist, a musician, a dancer – a human being, attempting to make her way on this world,” said Madonna in a press release when the biopic was first announced. “It’s essential to share the roller coaster ride of my life with my voice and vision.”
What is the plot of the film?
Most of the main points are still under wraps. Nevertheless, we do know that the script is claimed to conclude with Madonna’s 1990 Blonde Ambition World Tour, per The Hollywood Reporter. That tour solidified Madge’s status as a popular culture icon for many years to return.
Madonna performing during her Blond Ambition World Tour in 1990.
Frank Micelotta Archive//Getty Images
Jennifer’s Body author Diablo Cody collaborated with Madonna on a draft of the script, but Cody has since accomplished her work on the film. As of 2021, screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson joined the production—and in keeping with Madonna’s Instagram in December 2021, the duo appeared to still be working on the screenplay on the time. Wilson wrote the 2016 thriller The Girl on the Train. She’s also behind the script for Disney’s live-action Snow White remake.
Who’s within the forged?
Emmy-winning actress Julia Garner of Ozark and Inventing Anna was offered the a part of Madonna, in keeping with Variety.
Julia Garner in 2021.
Dimitrios Kambouris//Getty Images
Florence Pugh, Alexa Demie, Barbie Ferreira, and Sydney Sweeney were among the many other actresses who competed to play Madonna. The method involved an intense “Madonna Bootcamp” consisting of choreography and singing auditions, a few of which were attended by the songstress herself.
Julia Fox was eyed for a supporting role within the film. Per Entertainment Weekly, the Uncut Gems star could portray one among Madonna’s close friends, actress Debi Mazar.
What’s the film’s title?
The biopic’s working title gave the impression to be Little Sparrow. In February 2022, Madonna shared an Instagram post with the film’s script. She eventually deleted and re-posted the photo with a heart emoji covering the title, so there is a probability it could change.
Is that this Madonna’s directorial debut?
Madge isn’t any stranger to the director’s chair. She helmed the 2008 comedy Filth & Wisdom, in addition to the 2011 historical drama about King Edward VII and Wallis Simpson’s love affair, W.E., which received an Oscar nomination for Best Achievement in Costume Design.
Has a movie about Madonna been made before?
News a few possible biopic broke in 2017. The Hollywood Reporter announced that Universal picked up a script entitled Blond Ambition, which followed Madonna’s rise to fame after moving to Recent York City within the Eighties. Elyse Hollander penned the script, with Michael De Luca (Fifty Shades of Grey) and Brett Ratner (War Dogs) slated to supply. In an Instagram post, Madonna voiced her distaste for the project. “No person knows what I do know and what I even have seen. Only I can tell my story,” she said.
In 2021, she indicated that this wasn’t Hollywood’s first attempt at a Madonna film. She told Jimmy Fallon, “The rationale I’m doing it’s because a bunch of individuals have tried to put in writing movies about me, but they’re at all times men.” She also referenced the failed 2017 project, saying, “I read that Universal was doing a script… they wanted my blessing, and I read it. It was essentially the most hideous, superficial crap I’ve ever read. This has happened a few times. So, finally, I just threw down the gauntlet.”
This story has been updated.
