With the release of Baz Lerman’s “Elvis” on the horizon and the massive success of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the popularity of music biopics has not been any higher. This motivated Universal Pictures, producer Amy Pascal (“Spider-Man” franchise), and Madonna to team up for an untitled film based on the life of the iconic pop star.
Madonna is expected to direct the film as the coveted lead role has now been offered to “Inventing Anna” and “Ozark” actress Julia Garner, becoming the favorite over at least a dozen other candidates according to a report from Variety. Other names that were in the mix or floated included ladies such as Florence Pugh, Alexa Demie, Odessa Young, Bebe Rexha, and Sky Ferreira. Garner is a two-time Emmy winner for her Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series award for her role as Ruth Langmore on “Ozark.”
Writers on the project include Diablo Cody (“Juno”), Madonna herself, and Erin Cressida Wilson. The drama will follow the early days of the oft-controversial pop artist and queen of perpetual reinvention. In the 1990s, there weren’t any other singers other than Whitney Houston with a similar level of global popularity, and her sex life became fodder for tabloids.
This wouldn’t be the first filmmaking outing for Madonna, as her previous directing credits include “W.E.” and “Filth & Wisdom.” While Madonna has been chiefly known for her music, she also has had a long Hollywood career as an actress with credits that include “Evita,” “A League of Their Own,” “Desperately Seeking Susan,” “Dangerous Game,” and “Dick Tracy.”
As the film is without a title, I’d be willing to bet that “Lucky Star” or “Material Girl” would be good options. More info when it happens, including presumably Garner signing on the dotted line, which might be the role of a lifetime.
