It looks like the Madonna biopic just landed its lead with Julia Garner being offered the role as the OG Material Girl.
The actress has appeared in projects such as “The Assistant” and Netflix’s “Ozark.” According to Variety, Garner emerged as the frontrunner for the role among dozens of talented candidates. Though there has been no official acceptance, the outlet reports that Garner is expected to accept the part, which will likely be her most memorable. Fellow actresses Florence Pugh, Alexa Demie, and Odessa Young were previously considered to tackle the role.
The biopic will be presented by Universal Pictures and directed by Madonna herself, taking viewers through her childhood and eventual superstardom in the 80s and 90s. The 63-year-old hopes to display the “roller coaster ride” that is her life and insight into her music, which she credits with keeping her alive.
Universal Filmed Entertainment Group chairman Donna Langley has referred to the pop legend as “the ultimate icon, humanitarian, artist, and rebel.” Langley is eager to get the project underway after securing the script following a multi-studio bidding war, though it was at risk of being scrapped altogether.
Last year, the film stalled briefly after Madonna’s co-writer, Diablo Cody, abruptly abandoned the film. Luckily, Erin Cressida Wilson stepped in to help complete the script. This is also Universal’s second attempt at a Madonna biopic. The first film, “Blonde Ambition,” was shelved early in its development. With Garner being announced to take the lead, it appears that the long-awaited story will finally make it to the big screen.
Amy Pascal, known for her work on “Molly’s Game” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” has been tapped to produce. However, a timeline and other casting remain unknown at this time.
