Madonna biopic project stalls after budget dispute with Universal Pictures
Pop icon Madonna explained in June 2026 why her planned life story film halted production due to a falling out over the budget at Universal Studios.
Production halt and tour focus
Universal Pictures confirmed the biopic was in development in September 2020 with Madonna directing and co-writing. Reports from January 24, 2023 stated that production stopped shortly after she announced her massive Celebration Tour. The tour ran from October 14, 2023 to May 4, 2024 while the film remained on hold. Insiders told Variety that the superstar prioritized the tour over directing duties during this period.
Budget conflict and Serbia plan
Madonna told Interview magazine in June 2026 that she worked on her script for two years before the dispute. She spent two years at Universal Studios with line producers doing budgeting and casting tasks. The conflict arose because she needed a big budget to reflect her extraordinary life experiences. She later found a way to make the film for less money in Serbia instead.
Cast choices and script details
Variety reported that Emmy-winning actress Julia Garner was offered the part of Madonna for the role. Other actresses like Florence Pugh and Alexa Demie competed to play the pop superstar during auditions. Screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson joined the production as of 2021 after Diablo Cody completed an earlier draft. The script is said to conclude with Madonna's 1990 Blonde Ambition World Tour according to The Hollywood Reporter.
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