The Internet rumor mill has finally delivered something worth celebrating: Julia Garner is inching closer to portraying Madonna in a newly re-imagined Netflix limited series.

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In 2023, the much-publicized Universal Pictures biopic—co-written and set to be directed by the Queen of Pop herself—stalled out.

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Now the singer’s whirlwind career, spanning more than four decades of controversy, chart-topping success, and unapologetic reinvention, is getting a prestige streaming makeover. And at the center of it all stands Garner, arguably Hollywood’s most versatile scene-stealer.

From Scrapped Film to Streaming Phenomenon

Before we zero in on the casting, let’s quickly recap how we landed here:

• 2020: Madonna announces a self-directed biopic at Universal, promising to tell “the incredible journey that life has taken me on as an artist, musician, dancer, human being.”
• 2022: Studio auditions become a viral talking point as stars including Florence Pugh, Alexa Demie, Bebe Rexha—and ultimately Julia Garner—take part in a grueling “Madonna boot camp” featuring choreography and vocal sessions.
• 2023: The feature is shelved when Madonna pivots her focus to the Celebration Tour. Fans brace themselves for an indefinite delay.
• May 2025: Deadline confirms a Netflix limited series is in early development, with Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine, Stranger Things) executive-producing alongside Madonna. Insiders say Garner remains attached.

In other words, the biopic never truly died; it simply shapeshifted into a format that could breathe a little easier. Netflix’s binge model—and its global reach—offers exactly the runway a pop-culture juggernaut like Madonna deserves.

Why Julia Garner Remains the Frontrunner

For anyone who watched Ozark, Inventing Anna, or her mesmerizing scene-stealing turn in Maestro, it’s clear why filmmakers keep betting on Julia Garner.

She can slip into accents, dance between vulnerability and ferocity, and hold the camera with Madonna-level daring. Sources say Madonna was “blown away” by Garner’s commitment in the original screen tests—especially her ability to master tricky choreography under pressure.

Moreover, Garner’s resume boasts plenty of transformational roles:

• Ozark: Ruth Langmore’s grit and raw emotion earned Garner three Emmy Awards.
• Inventing Anna: Garner captured both the audacity and insecurity of faux heiress Anna Delvey.
• The Assistant and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story: She swings effortlessly from indie realism to oddball parody.

If anyone can embody Madonna’s chameleon-like reinventions—from 1983 club kid to Blond Ambition trailblazer to Ray of Light mystic—Julia Garner is it.

What the Limited Series Could Explore

While Netflix and Imagine Documentaries are keeping scripts under tight wraps, insiders hint at a two-season roadmap (eight episodes each). Expected highlights:

1. The Early New York Years – When Madonna Ciccone arrived with nothing but $35 in her pocket and an unwavering drive.
2. Like a Virgin Era – Her explosive ascent, MTV dominance, and the public backlash that came with it.
3. Blond Ambition & Erotica – Artistic boldness colliding with conservative outrage; the Truth or Dare documentary.
4. Reinvention & Family – Motherhood, Evita, Kabbalah, and global philanthropy.
5. Modern Legacy – Super Bowl halftime show, Madame X, and her ongoing fight for creative control.

That’s a staggering amount of territory to cover—proof that the limited-series format trumps the constraints of a two-hour biopic.

Creative Team: Madonna + Shawn Levy = Pop-Culture Firepower

Pairing an icon who rewrote music-industry rules with a producer-director known for blockbuster spectacle could yield gold.

Shawn Levy’s pedigree (Free Guy, Night at the Museum, Stranger Things) suggests a blend of big-screen energy and binge-worthy pacing.

Madonna, meanwhile, remains fiercely protective of her story. Their collaboration hints at a show with intimate access—yet polished, event-level production value.

Production Timeline & Release Window

• Early Development: Writers’ room assembling summer 2025.
• Casting Confirmation: Expected by fall, once Garner finalizes scheduling.
• Targeted Filming: Early 2026, with on-location shoots in Detroit, New York, London, and Los Angeles.
• Projected Premiere: Late 2026 on Netflix, followed by global rollout.

What This Means for Julia Garner’s Career

Securing the Madonna role could cement Julia Garner as this generation’s top biographical performer, positioning her for awards chatter across Emmys and Golden Globes.

More importantly, embodying a boundary-breaking feminist icon perfectly complements Garner’s own trajectory of fearless role choices.

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Key Takeaways

• Julia Garner remains Netflix’s favored pick to play Madonna after impressing the singer during prior film auditions.
• The limited-series format lets creators dive deeper into Madonna’s multi-era evolution, from downtown NYC clubs to world-tour domination.
• Madonna and Shawn Levy’s partnership signals a high-budget, prestige approach.
• Production eyes a 2026 premiere, pending final script and casting decisions.

Stay tuned as Netflix, Madonna, and Julia Garner prepare to strike a new pose—one episode at a time.