Madonna has revealed the real reason her long-planned biopic was shelved, blaming budget disagreements with Universal Pictures after spending years developing the project.
The Queen of Pop said she dedicated two years to writing the screenplay and working with studio executives on casting and production plans before the film was ultimately scrapped.
Madonna says budget disputes ended the project
Speaking to Interview Magazine, Madonna explained that the scale of her life story required a major production budget, something she and Universal could not agree on.
“I was supposed to make a movie about my life. I worked on my script for two years and spent two years at Universal Studios with the line producers doing budgeting and casting.”
The singer said financial concerns eventually led to a breakdown in negotiations.
“We had a falling out, me and Universal, regarding budget. I’ve had an extraordinary life. I’ve had a huge life, so I needed a big budget. You know what I mean?”
Madonna was attached to both co-write and direct the film, which would have chronicled her rise from aspiring performer to one of the most successful artists in music history.
Julia Garner was set to play Madonna
Actress Julia Garner had been confirmed for the lead role after reportedly beating several high-profile contenders during an extensive audition process.
The project generated significant interest when it was first announced, with fans eager to see Madonna’s life story brought to the big screen under her own creative direction.
Madonna proposed a lower-cost alternative
According to Madonna, she attempted to find ways to reduce production costs by relocating filming to Serbia.
However, she claimed the studio remained unconvinced.
“Maybe they just didn’t believe in me. One of their first reactions was, ‘We don’t believe you’d stay in Serbia more than four days.’ And I said, ‘Did you read the script?’ My whole life has been survival. I’m not going there for a holiday.”
The comments suggest that creative and logistical differences extended beyond the film’s budget alone.
Is the Madonna biopic still happening?
Although reports emerged in early 2023 that the project had been cancelled, speculation about its future has continued.
In September 2025, Julia Garner indicated that the film had not been abandoned entirely.
“I can’t say too much about it, but yes. It’s a work in progress.”
Madonna herself also fuelled rumours of a revival after hinting on social media that the project could return in a different form.
While the original Universal Pictures project may have stalled, Madonna’s latest comments suggest she has not completely given up on bringing her story to audiences.
