Once upon a time, we were expecting a high-profile feature film at Universal Pictures with Julia Garner (“Ozark”) playing Madonna in a biopic that the iconic pop star was developing in hopes of directing herself. There is now a limited Netflix series in the works as Madonna will instead team up with Shawn Levy (“Stranger Things”).
Garner is no longer a lock for the role, as there isn’t a deal in place to play Madonna as the project is starting from scratch at Levy’s 21 Laps Entertainment and won’t be just a re-packaged version of “Who’s That Girl.” However, Deadline, which announced the update on the project, is optimistic that Garner will be asked to stick around and star.
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Initially, Madonna was co-writing the script to self-direct the feature incarnation, but as they’re pivoting to a series, we’re a little in the dark about who is involved creatively. If Levy will be doing more than just executive producing, or how Madonna would be contributing to the project beyond providing access to her library of music.
Fans will know that Madonna, full name Madonna Louise Ciccone, made the life-changing move from Michigan to New York City to pursue a career in dance/music breaking out in 1983 with her debut album that featured songs such as “Lucky Star” (used by future husband Guy Ritchie in his 2000 film “Snatch“) and “Borderline.” Achiving pop star status alongside the likes of Michael Jackson, she would put out new music that would push boundaries alongside music videos and stage tours, leading her to take a shot at acting.
Some of those films include “Evita,” “Four Rooms,” “Dangerous Game,” “Body of Evidence,” “Dick Tracy,” “A League of Their Own,” “Desperately Seeking Susan,” and “Who’s That Girl.”
She was eventually inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, cementing her contributions to pop music since the mid-80s.
Levy has wrapped up the final season of “Stranger Things,” is collaborating with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman on the film “Boy Band,” and is priming a new feature film set in the “Star Wars” universe starring Ryan Gosling with “Star Wars: Starfighter” set to be released by Disney on May 28, 2027. Funny enough, Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” was used aggressively in the promotional material for “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and was even featured in the movie itself.
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Stay tuned for further information on the show and whether Garner will ultimately play Madonna in the new biopic or another actress.