Julia Garner offered role of Madonna in upcoming film about her life
The music legend is creating a "visual autobiography"
Pop sensation Madonna has been teasing details about "a visual autobiography" film about her life since it was first announced in 2020. It was announced in June 2022 that actress Julia Garner had been offered the role of Madonna, however, it seems as though we won't be seeing the film anytime soon.
Due to Madonna heading on her 'The Celebration Tour' in 2023, Variety reported in January that the biopic had been put on hold but that Madonna still plans on making the film one day. Hopefully production on the biopic resumes, and in the meantime you can read through everything we know about the film.
Who is playing Madonna?
In March 2022, it was revealed that auditions were underway for the film's cast, which saw a host of famous actresses audition to play Madonna. It was revealed that Ozark and Inventing Anna star Julia Garner has been offered the role!
Before Julia was offered the part, other celebrities considered for the role include Florence Pugh (Midsommar), Emma Laird (From Life), singers Bebe Rexha and Sky Ferreira, and Euphoria actresses Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, and Barbie Ferreira
Auditions for the much sought-after role took months, and candidates had to be able to sing, dance, and act to be considered. According to The Hollywood Reporter, auditions included hours of choreography sessions with Madonna's choreographer and the singer herself.
Madonna had previously revealed that she would like actress Florence Pugh to be cast in the film, and in January 2022 she hinted that Julia Fox (Uncut Gems) could also be involved in the film.
The 'Like A Virgin' singer posted photos of herself and Julia on Instagram along with the caption: 'Went to dinner with Julia to talk about my movie and some other folks showed up'.
What is the film about?
Madonna is co-directing and co-writing the film about her life, which she has described as "a visual autobiography". She revealed in October 2021 that the script was almost finished.
In February 2022, the singer took to Instagram to share that auditions were underway for the biopic. She posted a video of herself dancing to her 1983 song 'Burning Up', with the caption: 'Auditions for my film are a Surreal experience 🎬🎥 But I’m enjoying Dancing to the Classics!!'
Madonna previously told Associated Press how she has found the process of creating the film: "It's a pretty crazy experience so far, I’m just in the writing process, and just deciding which stories to tell, how much detail to go into, which characters to develop. It's really been a long and arduous process, but it's been really therapeutic as well."
When is it coming out?
According to reports, the production of the film is currently on hold. A release date and name for the film have yet to be announced.
Take a look at these films about amazing musicians:
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Elton John - Rocketman
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Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
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Johnny Cash - Walk The Line
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Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter
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Dreamgirls
Originally a Broadway musical, the film Dreamgirls was released in 2006, taking strong inspiration from the history of the Motown Records label and their top girl group The Supremes. The film stars huge names including Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and Danny Glover. The production received eight nominations at the 79th Academy Awards and took the top prize in two categories, Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Hudson and best Sound Mixing. It also won three Golden Globe Awards.
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Respect is music biopic released in 2021 about the life of one of the greatest American singers and civil rights activist, Aretha Franklin. Jennifer Hudson, who won an Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls, portrayed the 'Respect' singer in the film.
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Bob Marley - One Love
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Boy George - Coming soon
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Bob Dylan - Coming soon
Oscar nominated actor Timothée Chalamet is set to portray Bob Dylan in an upcoming biopic about the music icon. The film will portray the musicians life and career, including his switch from folk to rock music. Work on the film was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic but we cannot WAIT to see it!
The Bee Gees - Coming soon
The forthcoming Bee Gees biopic is yet to be given a name but the film will follow the lives of brother Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb from their humble beginnings in Manchester to their pop and Disco superstardom. Barry Gibb, the last surviving member of the trio will serve as executive producer. The band were recently the subject of documentary 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart'.
Cher - Coming soon
Yes, that's right! Cher is getting her own musical biopic. Although no title has been confirmed, the film will portray the incredible life of the now 76-year-old. Cher has starred in a number of films herself, including most recently Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! featuring the music of ABBA.
Ronnie Spector - Coming soon
A film following The Ronette's rise to fame as well as lead singer Ronnie Spector's personal life is in the making. Although a release date has not been set, actress Zendaya has been chosen to play Ronnie.
Although the singer sadly passed away on 12th January 2022, she was an executive producer on the film and chose Zendaya for the role.
U2 series - Coming soon
A scripted series about U2 is in the early stages of development at Netflix. Director J.J. Abrams is attached to the series, as is Anthony McCarten who wrote the script for the Bohemian Rhapsody film.
Dolly Parton - In the works
Dolly Parton is working on the film adaption of her book Run, Rose, Run - which she will also star in - and is now in talks about making a musical film about her life.
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne - Coming soon
Black Sabbath legend Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon will also be getting their very own biopic, focusing on a 20-year period of their lives. The film is currently untitled, having been first announced back in October 2021, and is set to feature Ozzy's music, with Sharon saying: "Our relationship at times was often wild, insane and dangerous but it was our undying love that kept us together. We're thrilled to partner with Sony Pictures and Polygram to bring our story to the screen." In 2024, Sharon also added that the film will be a tear-jerker.
Madonna - Put on hold
Madonna was working on a film about her life, and was co-writing and co-directing the biopic. Although Julie Garner was offered the lead role in June 2022, production of the film has been put on hold.
Madonna is going on her 'The Celebration Tour' across the world in 2023 and this is her focus, meaning she isn't able to work on her biopic and it has been put on pause.
You can hear songs by Madonna on Magic.
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