Julia Garner Confirms Madonna Biopic Is "Still in the Works"—Early, But Alive

Julia Garner is making headlines once again—not for her award-winning roles in 'Ozark' or 'Inventing Anna,' but for her upcoming portrayal of one of pop music's most iconic figures: Madonna. In a recent appearance on the SmartLess podcast, Garner shared an encouraging update about the long-delayed 'Madonna' biopic, reassuring fans that the project is still alive and developing. With Madonna herself originally at the helm as director and co-writer, and now reportedly teaming up with Netflix for a potential limited series, the project has evolved—but the passion behind it hasn't wavered.

Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter

A Project Reimagined—From Film to Netflix Series

Since its first announcement, the 'Madonna' biography has undergone several changes. The project attracted a lot of interest because of its authenticity and Madonna's direct involvement. It was first approved as a feature picture, with Madonna directing and co-writing the screenplay with Oscar winner Diablo Cody. However, many fans were afraid that the movie had been put on indefinite hold after multiple development setbacks and Universal's eventual decision to abandon the project in early 2023.

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Garner, however, says the project has just changed direction. According to her, it's "still supposed to happen" and is currently being rethought as a limited series, with Netflix reportedly serving as the new distribution channel. According to reports, acclaimed director Shawn Levy ('Stranger Things,' 'Deadpool & Wolverine') has agreed to assist in steering the new course. The new approach might enable a more thorough and comprehensive examination of Madonna's revolutionary career, from her early years in New York City to her time as the Queen of Pop, while maintaining her vision at the center of the narrative. This change might provide viewers with an immersive, multi-episode experience rather than just a biography.

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"What Would Madonna Do?"—The Audition That Sealed the Deal

Although it wasn't simple, Garner's path to the position was remarkable. She described going through a demanding audition procedure that included hard singing and dancing sessions, all of which were done in front of Madonna herself. The pop icon took great care in selecting the actress who would portray her, and Garner understood that she needed to offer attitude in addition to skill. Garner used the question, "What would Madonna do?" as her mental mantra throughout the audition, encouraging her to take chances and completely capture the singer's unrepentant personality.

Image Courtesy: Billboard

Garner, who had no prior experience dancing professionally, spent weeks training and performing live for Madonna, "owning the moment" in her performance. "You can take it or leave it, but I'm going to be fearless," she remarked as she entered the room. This audacity obviously paid off. Madonna, who is renowned for her exacting standards and avant-garde artistic abilities, recognized something in Garner that spoke to her own early-career desire and grit. With Madonna's direct involvement, the casting process focused on evoking a mindset rather than merely stardom or good looks.

The 'Madonna' biopic, which is now potentially a series, is still on progress, as seen by Garner's update, even though no official release date or production timeline has been disclosed. Fans can anticipate a fearless, unvarnished depiction of a woman who revolutionized pop culture thanks to Madonna's ongoing engagement and Garner's commitment to the part. 

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