Madonna’s long-gestating biopic is back in development. Originally, the singer-songwriter planned to direct a feature about her life, but later paused the project to focus on her “Celebration” tour. According to Deadline, Madonna has now partnered with producer Shawn Levy (“Stranger Things,” “All the Light We Cannot See”) to reimagine the biopic as a limited series. While speculation has pointed to Netflix as its streamer, no platform or network has been officially confirmed; however, “Ozark” and “Inventing Anna” star Julia Garner remains attached to play Madonna. “I can’t say too much about it,” Garner told W Magazine, “but yes, it’s a work in progress.”
Here’s everything we know about the highly anticipated project.
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According to Deadline, Madonna hinted on Instagram in November 2024 that she plans to pivot from making a feature film to a TV series about her life. She hasn’t shared additional storyline details or whether she’ll adapt the earlier scripts she co-wrote with Diablo Cody and Erin Cressida Wilson.
Levy is developing the project through his production company, 21 Laps. The original film was set up at Universal Pictures, with Madonna directing, but People confirmed she stepped away due to her tour commitments. Although she’s no longer directing, Madonna is expected to remain creatively involved.
Garner remains attached to star as Madonna. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the audition process included choreography sessions with Madonna’s choreographer and the pop icon herself, sometimes lasting up to 11 hours. At callbacks, finalists read scenes and sang with Madonna.
No additional casting has been confirmed, but the Hollywood Reporter shared that Florence Pugh, Alexa Demie, and Sydney Sweeney were previously considered.
Casting hasn’t started yet as the project remains in early development. While we wait for updates, check out these articles filled with auditioning advice:
- The Ultimate Guide to Getting Cast in a Movie or TV Show
- Casting 101: Everything Actors Need to Know About the Process
- How to Become an Extra in a Movie or TV Show
Curious about other buzzy projects in the works? Check out these other greenlit projects:
- Everything We Know About the Britney Spears Biopic
- Everything We Know About Sam Mendes’ Four Beatles Films
- Everything We Know about ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’
- Everything We Know About Apple TV+’s ‘The Holiday’ Series
- Everything We Know About ‘Wicked: For Good’
And for even more industry insights:
A release date hasn’t been announced. We’ll share updates as more information becomes available. Check back here for the latest casting and production news.