Julia Garner confirmed she will portray Madonna in the long-awaited biopic about the entertainer's life, saying the project is still under development.
"I can't say too much about it, but yes, it's a work in progress," the 31-year-old actor told W Magazine in a video posted Wednesday, affirming long-running reports that she had been eyed for the role.
Madonna first announced in 2020 that she would co-write the film with screenwriter Diablo Cody and direct the production herself. At the time, Madonna described the movie as a personal account of her career and life, saying, "I want to convey the incredible journey that life has taken me on as an artist, a musician, a dancer ― a human being, trying to make her way in this world." She added that "the focus of this film will always be music. Music has kept me going and art has kept me alive. There are so many untold and inspiring stories and who better to tell it than me. It's essential to share the roller coaster ride of my life with my voice and vision."
Rumors linking Garner to the role circulated for years. Universal Pictures shelved the project in 2023, and Madonna later indicated in a 2024 Instagram post that she was returning to the script. In July, Garner told the "Smartless" podcast that the film was "supposed to still happen," though she did not provide firm production or release timelines.
Neither Madonna nor studio representatives immediately provided further details on casting confirmations, production timelines or creative collaborators beyond the previously announced involvement of Diablo Cody. Garner's comments to W Magazine offered the clearest public acknowledgment to date that she is attached to portray the pop star, but they did not include specifics about when filming might begin or who else may be involved in the project.
Biographical films about major musical artists have drawn heightened attention in recent years for their portrayals of career arcs and creative influence. Madonna has previously framed the planned film as a personal project centered on her music and artistic journey. The next public updates on casting, a production schedule or a release plan are likely to come from Madonna's team or the studio as negotiations and development continue.
For now, Garner's confirmation marks a notable step forward in a project that has evolved over several years, with both the artist and the actor signaling that the biopic remains under active development.