**Madonna and Julia Garner Join Forces in Venice for Iconic Recreation**
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In a vibrant display of nostalgia, singer Madonna and actress Julia Garner have been spotted in Venice, Italy, where they are currently filming the second season of the Apple TV series, *The Studio*. The duo recently recreated a memorable scene from Madonna’s classic 1984 music video “Like a Virgin,” as they took a gondola ride while lip-syncing to the hit song.
Madonna, aged 67, shared this delightful encounter on her Instagram account, captioning it: “Like A Virgin… again and again. 🇮🇹”. The post features video footage of the two women enjoying the picturesque canals, all while playfully engaging with the gondolier and their large hats, a nod to the iconic imagery associated with the original music video.
Throughout the years, Garner has emerged as the favoured choice to portray Madonna in a long-anticipated biopic that has had a protracted journey towards production. Confirming her connection to the project, Garner has been publicly linked to the role since at least 2022, piquing the interest of fans eager to see how the actress embodies the pop legend’s life and career.
In a previous Instagram post dated March 17, Madonna hinted at her upcoming film ventures, sharing an image of a script titled “The Italian Job.” Following this, photos of the singer on set alongside Garner have circulated online, indicating a collaboration that has captured fans’ imaginations. The duo’s chemistry is palpable, bolstered by their dynamic on set as they film *The Studio*, a show that has garnered recognition for its sharp writing and compelling performances.
*The Studio* features Seth Rogen in a lead role as the head of a fictional Hollywood studio facing various challenges. Since its premiere in March 2025, the series has received critical acclaim, achieving a remarkable historic feat by securing 13 Emmy Awards, including the Outstanding Comedy Series accolade.
Whispers about the biopic have circulated for several years now, with insiders confirming that Garner was Madonna’s top choice for the lead role. Despite delays in the project, both figures have maintained a visible presence at various events, keeping anticipation alive among their fan bases.
As of July 2024, Madonna disclosed the tentative title for the movie as *Who’s That Girl*, further stoking excitement. On a recent episode of the SmartLess podcast, Garner expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating it is “supposed to still happen” and revealing her lifelong admiration for the pop icon. “I grew up listening to Madonna,” she shared, highlighting the influence the singer has had on her life and career.
In preparation for her role, Garner recounted her journey of learning how to embody Madonna’s persona, including mastering dance routines. “I knew that they were doing a project making a movie about it and then… I kind of just wanted to see if I could do it,” she explained. Garner’s desire to not only act but also sing and dance in front of the pop star showcases her dedication to authentically capturing the essence of Madonna.
Reflecting on her audition process, Garner shared a pivotal thought that guided her: “What would Madonna do?” This mindset, combined with her commitment to the role, allowed her to approach the audition with confidence. She added that great projects often require time and effort to come to fruition, reinforcing her belief that “anything that’s great… I feel like it takes a long time.”
As filming progresses in the enchanting canals of Venice, the collaboration between Madonna and Garner not only rekindles fond memories of the past but also offers a tantalising glimpse into the future of both their artistic careers. With Garner’s portrayal of Madonna and their joint artistic ventures, fans eagerly await what promises to be an intriguing exploration of one of pop music’s most significant figures.