Julia Garner has confirmed that she’s still attached to play Madonna in the singer’s official biopic. Speaking to W Magazine, the Weapons star said the project is still in progress, though she couldn’t share too many details.
Garner also revealed her favorite Madonna songs, highlighting “Borderline,” “Papa Don’t Preach,” and “Burning Up,” along with tracks from the Confessions on a Dance Floor album she grew up listening to. She also named classics like “Vogue” and “Ray of Light,” adding that she essentially loves Madonna’s entire catalog. For Garner, “Papa Don’t Preach” stands out for the emotion in Madonna’s voice.
Last month, Garner appeared on the SmartLess podcast and said the biopic was “supposed to still happen.” She also described the intense audition process, which required her to learn how to dance, then perform in front of Madonna herself while also singing. To prepare, Garner said she channeled Madonna’s own confidence, walking into the audition with the mindset that she belonged there.
The film’s path has been uncertain. Universal Pictures reportedly scrapped the project in January 2023, when Madonna was set to direct and co-write the script with Diablo Cody and Erin Cressida Wilson. However, Madonna confirmed in July 2024 that she was back to working on the script, keeping hope alive for the long-awaited biopic.
