The silver-screen telling of Madonna's legendary life story, which had Ozark star Julia Garner attached to play the lead, has been officially abandoned, according to recent reports.
The project, once in active development at Universal Pictures, has now been shelved indefinitely. This decision brings a halt to one of the most talked-about casting coups in recent memory, which saw Garner emerge victorious from a gruelling months-long 'bootcamp' audition process against fierce competition.
Why Was the Madonna Movie Cancelled?
Sources close to the production indicate that the film's demise is a direct result of Madonna's own changing priorities. The Queen of Pop is now choosing to focus her creative energies on her massive global Celebration Tour, which is set to span multiple continents throughout 2024.
This extensive worldwide commitment has effectively rendered her unavailable to dedicate the necessary time to helm the project as director—a role she was adamant about fulfilling. The biopic was to be a deeply personal endeavour, based on a script she co-wrote with Diablo Cody (Juno) and later Erin Cressida Wilson (The Girl on the Train).
What's Next for the Material Girl?
While the cinematic biography is off the table for now, fans need not despair. The tour itself is poised to become a definitive chapter in the icon's story. There are strong rumours that the live spectacle, which delves into her four-decade-long career, will be documented for a future live concert film.
This means that while a scripted biopic is cancelled, audiences may still get an intimate look at Madonna's world through the lens of her greatest hits and performances on this latest record-breaking tour.
