Julia Garner Says Madonna Biopic’s Future Changes “Every Hour”

Garner said she would like the film to move forward but values the friendship she has formed with Madonna regardless of the outcome. “Whatever happens, I made a great friend. I love Madonna,” she said.

Madonna has attributed the project’s stalled progress to a budget dispute with Universal Pictures. She said she spent two years working on the screenplay and another two with the studio’s production team on budgeting and casting before the parties fell out over the film’s cost. Madonna argued that her life and career required a substantial budget.

The pair’s reunion in Italy in March 2026 renewed fan interest in the film. Madonna posted a video on X of the two riding a gondola in Venice and singing “Like a Virgin.” Their meeting reportedly took place while they were filming the second season of Apple TV+’s “The Studio.”

Garner won the role after an intensive audition that required her to demonstrate singing, dancing and an ability to capture Madonna’s personality. She has said she was not a trained dancer and took lessons before performing in front of the singer.

While the film’s fate remains uncertain, Madonna has continued to chart in the UK. “Danceteria,” from “Confessions II,” reached a new peak of No. 22 after an “Afterhours” remix featuring Charli XCX. “Love Sensation,” featuring Kylie Minogue, reached No. 8, and “Bring Your Love,” featuring Sabrina Carpenter, landed at No. 29. The three Top 40 entries made “Confessions II” Madonna’s first album since 2008’s “Hard Candy” to produce three UK Top 40 singles.