Julia Garner Confirms Madonna Biopic Is Still Alive: “It’s Supposed to Still Happen”

Despite swirling rumors and production halts, Julia Garner has reassured fans that the long-anticipated Madonna biopic is still in the works. Speaking on the popular “SmartLess” podcast, Julia Garner revealed that the project — tentatively titled Like a Virgin — is “supposed to still happen,” reigniting excitement among fans eager to see the Queen of Pop’s life story brought to the big screen.

Julia Garner, best known for her roles in Ozark, Inventing Anna, and the upcoming crypto drama about FTX, was handpicked by Madonna herself back in 2022 after an intense audition process. The biopic, which Madonna is slated to direct, had seemingly stalled as the pop icon prioritized her massive Celebration Tour, leaving the film’s future in limbo.

“I wasn’t a trained dancer and had to learn how to dance, then dance in front of Madonna and convince her I could do it,” Julia Garner said during the podcast, recounting the nerve-wracking audition. “And sing… with her! It was a wild experience, but I just wanted to see if I could do it.”

The biopic is set to cover Madonna’s early years, chronicling her rise from New York City’s gritty underground scene to global superstardom. Julia Fox was also announced to play Madonna’s longtime friend and collaborator Debi Mazar, though she recently expressed uncertainty about the project’s current status.

“I know it was going to be either tour or movie, and then she went on tour,” Julia Fox said in a prior interview with IndieWire. “I don’t know when the movie will be picking back up again, but I’d still love to do it.”

 

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Interestingly, Madonna herself has kept fans updated through social media, sharing cryptic posts hinting at the screenplay’s ongoing development. One year ago, she posted an Instagram Story teasing, “I need A-lot of Bandz to make this………..OKAY,” reflecting both the project’s ambition and the hurdles it faces.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Netflix is developing a Madonna series, which would explore her formative years. Julia Garner, who has a longstanding relationship with the streamer, is reportedly in talks to be involved, alongside Stranger Things executive producer Shawn Levy.

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Biopics about legendary musicians have become a reliable formula for box office and awards success in recent years. From Rami Malek’s Oscar-winning turn as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody to Austin Butler’s critically acclaimed Elvis, audiences have shown a voracious appetite for these intimate, behind-the-scenes portrayals. With Timothée Chalamet’s Bob Dylan and Kingsley Ben-Adir’s Bob Marley biopics recently making waves, a Madonna film seems inevitable.

As for when fans can expect to see Julia Garner in Madonna’s signature cone bra, the timeline remains uncertain. “Anything that’s great takes a long time,” Julia Garner said, emphasizing the meticulous care being put into the project.

One thing is clear: when it finally arrives, this Madonna biopic promises to be a must-watch cultural event.