Garner Calls Madonna Film Status Fluid
The actress said the biopic’s production changes hourly, though she still hopes the project moves forward.
By Tessa Cooper ·
Julia Garner said the production status of the long-delayed Madonna biopic shifts constantly. The actress told CBS in a recent interview that she does not have a fixed timeline for the film. She described the situation as changing every hour.
Garner acknowledged that the decision to move forward is not hers to make. She stated that she would love for the movie to get made. She added that regardless of the outcome, she considers Madonna a great friend and an incredible artist.
The project has faced uncertainty since its initial announcement in 2020. In July 2025, Garner appeared on the SmartLess podcast with hosts Will Arnett, Sean Hayes, and Jason Bateman. She told the trio that she was still set to star in the film. She noted that great things often take a long time to come together.
Universal Pictures reportedly paused the film indefinitely in 2023. That decision coincided with the start of Madonna’s world tour. Garner secured the lead role in 2022 after an intense preparation process that included a singing and dancing boot camp.
Several other actresses were in consideration for the part, including Florence Pugh, Alexa Demie, Odessa Young, and Bebe Rexha. Madonna is set to direct the project. Two screenwriters have been attached to the script, Diablo Cody and Cressida Wilson. Cody’s writing sessions with the pop star were previously shared on social media.
Garner is currently promoting her role in the Netflix limited series The Altrusists. The eight-episode series premieres on November 19. It depicts the rise and fall of Sam Bankman-Fried, played by Anthony Boyle, and Caroline Ellison, played by Garner. The story covers how the two accused financial leaders attempted to remake the global system before being charged with stealing eight billion dollars.
