Pop icon Madonna is officially reclaiming her narrative. After putting her highly anticipated, self-directed biopic on hold to embark on her record-breaking Celebration Tour, the Queen of Pop has returned to the director's chair. She is currently rewriting the script for the film, now reportedly titled Who's That Girl.
Here is a breakdown of what is happening with the project, who is involved, and why this film is breaking traditional Hollywood rules.
What Happened
In early 2023, Universal Pictures put Madonna’s biopic on hold indefinitely so the singer could focus on her demanding world tour. Following the tour's historic conclusion—which culminated in a free concert for 1.6 million fans in Rio de Janeiro—Madonna immediately pivoted back to cinema.
The singer recently shared updates on social media, posting photos of herself working on a typewriter surrounded by script pages. Emmy-winner Julia Garner (Ozark, Inventing Anna) remains attached to star as the pop icon, having secured the highly competitive role before the project went on hiatus.
Inside the "Madonna Bootcamp"
The road to casting the lead role was famously intense. To play the legendary pop star, actresses had to endure a grueling "Madonna bootcamp."
- The Process: Candidates participated in up to 11-hour-a-day choreography sessions with Madonna’s personal choreographer, followed by singing auditions and readings directly with Madonna.
- The Contenders: High-profile stars including Florence Pugh, Alexa Demie, and Bebe Rexha were reportedly in the running.
- The Winner: Julia Garner’s unique ability to capture Madonna's distinct vocal range, physical presence, and attitude ultimately secured her the role.
Why It Matters
Most musical biopics, such as Bohemian Rhapsody or Bob Marley: One Love, are directed by third-party filmmakers. Madonna's decision to co-write and direct her own life story is a rare, highly ambitious move in Hollywood.
By taking total creative control, Madonna ensures her legacy isn't sanitized or sensationalized by outside producers. The film aims to capture her early struggles in 1980s New York City, her meteoric rise to fame, and her continuous battle against an industry that frequently sought to restrict her.
What's Next
While Universal Pictures has not yet announced a formal production start date, the script revisions indicate the project is fast-tracked. With the screenplay nearing completion and Garner still attached to star, industry insiders expect filming to begin as soon as pre-production logistics are finalized.
