Julia Garner has reaffirmed that the highly anticipated Madonna biopic is still in development, describing it as “a work in progress.” The actress, known for her role in *Weapons*, is set to portray the iconic Queen of Pop, but has been tight-lipped about the details of the project, which was first announced in 2022. In an interview with W Magazine, she stated, “I can’t say too much about it, but yes, it’s a work in progress.”
Garner shared her admiration for Madonna’s music, revealing her favorite songs include “Borderline” and “Papa Don’t Preach.” She expressed her deep connection to Madonna’s work, saying, “I love all of Madonna basically is what I’m trying to say.” The 31-year-old actress highlighted the emotional weight of “Papa Don’t Preach,” noting, “There’s a lot of emotions in that song and I love that.”
In a recent appearance on the SmartLess podcast, Garner reflected on her audition process for the role. She recalled the challenges of learning to dance, stating, “I kind of just wanted to see if I could do it, because I wasn’t a trained dancer.” Garner emphasized her determination during the audition, saying, “I was kind of like, ‘You can take it or leave it, but if you leave it, if I leave, then that’s on you.'”
The biopic faced a setback in January 2023 when Universal Pictures announced that production had been paused indefinitely. Despite this, Madonna revealed in July 2022 that she was working on a new draft of the script. The film, titled *Who’s That Girl*, pays homage to her 1987 movie and song of the same name. Madonna shared her progress on Instagram, posting pictures of herself working on the script alongside the caption: “I Need A-lot of Bandz to make this ……….. OKAY. (Story of my life) (sic).”
Madonna’s desire to have creative control over the biopic is evident. In an interview with Variety, she stated, “I’ve had an extraordinary life, I must make an extraordinary film.” She explained that her decision to take on both writing and directing roles was partly a response to the interest from others in telling her story, particularly from “mostly misogynistic men.” Her resolve is clear: “No one’s going to tell my story, but me.”
As fans eagerly await the completion of this project, Garner’s insights and Madonna’s commitment to her vision highlight the significance of this biopic in celebrating the life and legacy of one of music’s most influential figures. The collaboration between the two women promises to deliver a unique perspective on Madonna’s extraordinary journey, ensuring that it remains a subject of public fascination.
