FEATURE:
Live to Tell
IN THIS PHOTO: Madonna in 1987/PHOTO CREDIT: Alberto Tolot
The Announcement of the Madonna Biopic, Who’s That Girl
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THERE was a lot of build-up…
PHOTO CREDIT: Madonna
when Madonna previously announced her biopic. Originally, she was writing it with Diablo Cody. Cody has no regrets about losing the project with the Queen of Pop. I think the explanation why the film didn’t materialise is because the script was not to Madonna’s liking. Perhaps not what she had in mind. Others have separate theories about what happened. Regardless, it was a blow, because it was shaping up to be a magnificent proposition. With Julia Garner cast in the lead, we possibly could have seen a representation of Madonna in 1986 or 1987. I was envisaging Madonna’s True Blue era (1986). There have been films and documentaries about Madonna. Not biopics as of yet where the Queen of Pop is at the centre. Since the project was abandoned, Madonna has been on her worldwide Celebration tour. This astonishing and acclaimed series of gigs around the world, one could forgive her for wanting to rest and spend time away from the limelight. Some might fancy a Madonna album. Instead, it seems like there is this desire to get her biopic going again. I am sure we will hear more news in the coming weeks. There are Madonna albums coming later in the year. The fortieth anniversary of Like a Virgin in November. Bedtime Stories turns thirty in October. News has broken that we could soon see a much anticipated biopic. Here is some more details:
“Madonna’s biopic has risen from the ashes. The highly-anticipated project, which has been years in the making and was pronounced “dead” last January, is officially back on the cards.
On July 16, Madonna shared an Instagram video of herself working on the script for her biopic. In case you forgot, Madonna is self-directing and co-writing the film’s screenplay which will focus on her career and her “broader, unvarnished story.”
“I Need A-lot of Bandz to make this………..OKAY,” she captioned the video in which she could been seen seated behind a typewriter.
The “Material Girl” first announced the biopic back in 2020 after someone else had attempted to write her life story. She revealed that she was working with the Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody on the script (though, she was since replaced by Erin Cressida Wilson), which was given the tentative title of Little Sparrow at the time. Of course, much conversation was had about who would play Madonna. Alexa Demie, Sydney Sweeney, Barbie Ferreira, Florence Pugh, Bebe Rexha were all speculated to have earned the role at one point.
It was Julia Garner, however, who ultimately pulled away from the pack. She was reportedly offered the part in 2022 (before the project was called off due to the singer’s Celebration world tour) and is back in the mix for its revival. Per Entertainment Weekly, the Inventing Anna actress is still attached to the lead.
From plot details, cast updates, and a working name, here’s everything to know about Madonna’s biopic, below.
Does the Madonna biopic have a title?
Madonna’s Instagram post keyed fans in on a potential title. While there’s no confirmation just yet, it appears that the project will be called Who’s That Girl.
The title references the singer’s 1987 comedy film and song of the same name.
What is Who’s That Girl about?
Madonna previously stated that the project will follow her “struggle as an artist trying to survive in a man's world as a woman, and really just the journey,” which she called “happy, sad, mad, crazy, good, bad, and ugly.”
The film will likely feature major milestones of her career—writing “Like a Prayer,” her smash hit “Vogue”—and more, less-documented narratives like her connection to New York City’s ballroom scene.
Who is in the Who’s That Girl cast?
Garner, so far, is the only name who is all but confirmed to appear in the cast. Julia Fox has been rumored to play Madonna’s longtime friend Debbi Mazur and even met with the singer to discuss the part.
“I mean, I’d still love to but I genuinely don’t know,” Fox said of the role recently, adding that she “might have already aged out of that casting”.
It would be amazing if Julia Garner was to play Madonna. In turns of the setting, I guess it would be the mid-1980s. We will get to discover more in time. I think, when it came to reservations before, it was whether Madonna could carry this off on her own. In terms of writing and directing the film. That seems to be the case now. Madonna is a good director, though one feels that an objective outsider who is a Madonna fan would be a better choice. Perhaps a too subjective lens, one wonders whether other hands and eyes would make the biopic stronger. However Who’s That Girl turns out, it is going to be a huge event. With others trying to tell her story, this is the moment that Madonna can tell her true story. It is likely to be raw, quite unflinching and filled with incredible music. Whether it is going to be purely personal or whether there are some elements of fantasy, fans around the world will flock to see it. It has been a very long and successful career for Madonna. Over forty years since her debut album, she has changed the face of popular music. I have been thinking and there have not been that many representations of Madonna on the big screen. In terms of using her music or telling her story. I guess there was fear that Madonna would sue or criticise. It is always a bit risky when an artist writes and directs a biopic. Maybe they are not going to be critical and objective. Having that necessary editing and filter which could turn a potentially okay film into something magnificent. Such is the importance of Madonna’s story, you do wonder how it could go.
I think fans are hopeful and exciting. She does not need to prove herself. It is a rare moment where the woman behind some of the greatest Pop music in history lets you into her life. Having a biopic that is about a very specific time period would be too restrictive. It would be a struggle to make a convincing and focused film it was career-spanning and took in a lot of time. What is likely is going to be Madonna survival and rise. Perhaps multiple actors playing her in different periods. Featuring her wiring some iconic hits, but more about he overcoming sexism and misogyny and succeeding in a male-dominated music industry. Rather than it being a traditional biopic or jukebox musical type of thing, you feel this is going to be closer to a tough and inspiring film with music scoring it. Some darker edges and controversial moments. Madonna is the only person who knows the truth and will not hold back. It seems like she wants to tell her story in her own words. When we find out about casting and the exact plot, we’ll get a clearer picture of what is in store. It is amazing that a project that was once thought dead and beyond revival is being picked up. No doubt buoyed by her triumphant world tour and the love people showed her, there would be this same interest for a cinematic release. What will critics make of a Madonna-penned and directed film?! Are they going to prejudge?! It is a gamble for her to shoulder so much, though you know that it is going to be compelling and memorable. If some doubted her and tried to put her down, there is no denying how everyone is eating their words. Such a singular and strong artist who has survived and conquered. Nobody now is asking…
WHO’S that girl?