A highly anticipated Madonna biopic, directed by the singer herself and starring Julia Garner, has been cancelled. The film, which had been in development since 2020 with Universal Pictures, was set to chronicle Madonna's four-decade career in music, cinema and fashion.
According to a Variety report, Universal pulled out after Madonna announced a global tour last week, which sold out dates in New York, Paris and London within minutes. However, unnamed insiders told The Hollywood Reporter that the cancellation was decided late last year, long before the tour was announced.
The biopic, which had the working title Little Sparrow, generated significant online buzz due to its gruelling audition process, known as 'Madonna bootcamp', which involved 11-hour days of choreography, readings and singing auditions in front of Madonna and her casting director. Before Garner secured the role, contenders included Florence Pugh, Alexa Demie, Bebe Rexha and Sky Ferreira.
Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody was initially attached to write the screenplay, but a second draft was later completed by Madonna and Erin Cressida Wilson. Sources told Variety that Madonna remains committed to making the film, despite Universal's withdrawal.
