**Julia Garner Remains Optimistic About Madonna Biopic Amid Setbacks**
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Actress Julia Garner is not ready to abandon hopes for a biopic centred on the life of pop icon Madonna, a project that has faced numerous obstacles, including cancellations. Garner, known for her role in “Ozark,” expressed her belief that the film, originally slated to star her and be directed by Madonna herself, could still see the light of day.
In a recent feature with *ELLE*, Garner, 32, stated, “I think the movie has to get made.” Her comments come in the wake of Universal Pictures’ decision to halt the project in early 2023, a move that left the biopic in a state of uncertainty. Early drafts of the screenplay, penned by well-known writers like Diablo Cody and Erin Cressida Wilson, struggled to gain traction, resulting in the studio’s eventual withdrawal.
Madonna has previously acknowledged the financial challenges associated with bringing her story to the big screen. In an interview conducted in June 2023, she emphasised the importance of production quality for a narrative as significant as hers. “I’ve had an extraordinary life. I’ve had a huge life, so I needed a big budget,” she remarked, highlighting the extensive work she had invested into the screenplay over a two-year period in collaboration with Universal Studios.
Garner’s involvement with the Madonna biopic commenced in 2022 when insiders revealed that she was Madonna’s preferred choice to portray her life on film. Preparation for the role was well underway when news broke in January 2023 that the project would no longer be developed by Universal.
Despite the biopic’s cancellation, the bond between Garner and Madonna appears to remain robust. The pair recently shared the stage during one of Madonna’s concerts in Brooklyn in late 2023, showcasing their ongoing collaboration. Adding to the excitement, Madonna teased a new script, provisionally titled *Who’s That Girl*, in July 2024, a nod to her 1987 film that could spark interest in the biopic yet again.
In July 2025, Garner ignited further speculation about the project when she appeared on the *SmartLess* podcast. During the episode, she insisted that plans for the film are still in the pipeline, sustaining the hope that it may come to fruition.
While the biopic remains on hold, Garner and Madonna have found alternative avenues to work together, recently teaming up for an episode of *The Studio*’s second season. In this episode, Garner portrays a fictionalized version of herself while featuring Madonna in a guest appearance. The project is set against the backdrop of the picturesque Venice, Italy, with co-creator Seth Rogen recently spotted filming the season there.
Garner described her experience working alongside Madonna as unforgettable, although she had mixed feelings about the culinary offerings in Italy. In her interview with *ELLE*, she jokingly stated, “I had some of the worst Italian food in my life,” but went on to rave about the incredible nature of Venice and the overall experience.
Their friendship has blossomed off-screen as well, with Garner noting that she is now comfortably in touch with Madonna via text. “She’s one of the funniest people I’ve ever met,” Garner remarked, indicating the strong rapport they share.
Looking ahead, Garner is gearing up for her upcoming projects, including a starring role in Apple TV+’s true-crime series *Guilty Creatures*, derived from Mikita Brottman’s book. Additionally, she is set to co-star with Charlize Theron in a film titled *Tyrant*, promising to keep her star on the rise in Hollywood.
As the biopic remains in limbo, both Garner and Madonna continue to push forward in their careers, demonstrating that while challenges may arise, creative partnerships endure. Fans of both the actress and the music legend will be keeping a close eye on any developments that could see this long-awaited film finally realised.