Madonna's Biopic Stalls Over Budget Dispute with Universal
Madonna revealed in an interview with Interview magazine that a disagreement with Universal Pictures over budget prevented her long-gestating biographical film from entering production.
"We had a falling out... regarding budget because I needed... a big budget." — Madonna
The Project Timeline
- 2021: Universal won a multi-studio auction to produce the film, with Madonna attached as co-writer and director.
- Ongoing: Screenwriters Diablo Cody and Erin Cressida Wilson were involved over time.
- 2022: Julia Garner was cast to portray Madonna after a public audition process.
The Budget Conflict
Madonna stated she spent two years developing the script and working with Universal on budgeting and casting. The studio could not agree to the budget required, leading her to propose filming in Serbia to reduce costs.
Madonna claimed Universal did not believe she would stay in Serbia for more than four days, adding: "Maybe they just didn't believe in me."
Development Continues Elsewhere
After the project fell through at Universal, Netflix approached Madonna to develop a series. However, Madonna noted she could not use her Universal script unless she bought it back at a high price. She spent eight to nine months searching for a showrunner without success.
What Sources Say
Variety reached out to Universal Pictures for comment. Sources previously told Variety the film would have covered Madonna's early life in Michigan to her artistic rise in New York City through the release of "Ray of Light" in 1998.
Netflix is currently developing an autobiographical series about Madonna via Shawn Levy's TV deal. Julia Garner is not attached to the Netflix project.
"I spent two years developing the script and working with Universal on budgeting and casting." — Madonna
A Fictional Appearance
The biopic will appear fictionally in Season 2 of "The Studio" on Apple TV+, where a Madonna biopic starring Garner premieres at the Venice Film Festival.
Key Takeaways
- Budget disputes led Universal to halt production
- Netflix series development is ongoing without Garner
- Madonna's script currently cannot be reused without purchase