Biopics about Music legends have become the trend, they make the big bucks and also win awards. Almost all major actors, directors, and crew members want to be a part of one because of the exposure and wide reach that they have. Bohemian Rhapsody made over 900 million dollars at the box office and also renewed interest in Queen‘s music. Recently the biopic on Elvis Presley won many accolades including a Golden Globe by Austin Butler who played Elvis Presley in the film.
After the success of these films, many rumored Biopics have started production, like Lionsgate announced a Biopic on Michael Jackson, there is one rumored on Bob Marley and Universal Pictures was said to be working on a Biopic on Madonna. The singer reportedly writes and directs the film. She would have been heavily involved in the making of the film with complete control of the output.
Madonna’s biopic is scrapped by Universal Pictures
The project was announced in 2020 and has been in development ever since, however, sources told Variety that Universal Pictures have scrapped the project. The speculation over the production because apparent after the Grammy winner announced her 12th world tour spanning 40 cities. Sources close to the singer revealed that she is focusing only on the tour, but remains committed to making a film about her life someday. Universal Pictures refused to comment on the matter.
Also Read: Ozark Star Julia Garner Set To Play Controversial Pop-Star Madonna in Universal Biopic
Once the project was announced by Universal Madonna said she hopes to,
“convey the incredible journey that life has taken me on as an artist, a musician, a dancer — a human being, trying to make her way in this world. The focus of this film will always be music. Music has kept me going and art has kept me alive. There are so many untold and inspiring stories and who better to tell them than me. It’s essential to share the roller coaster ride of my life with my voice and vision.”
Madonna and Amy Pascal were to produce the Biopic with Sara Zambreno and Guy Oseary as executive producers. The singer is not new to the film industry she has already directed three films, 2008’s Filth and Wisdom, a short film, and 2011’s W.E. and Secret Project Revolution were feature-length films.
Madonna’s grueling audition process came to light
Madonna was working on two drafts for her film encompassing broad periods of her personal and creative journey. Initially, a version of it was written by the Oscar-winning writer Diablo Cody, and a Madonna Boot camp was organized to scout actresses who would play Madonna. The audition process was described as grueling. The said contestants had to go through eleven-hour choreography with Madonna followed by reading and singing sessions.
Several Oscar nominees, Golden Globe winners, and some singers turned actresses fought for the role, Florence Pugh, “Euphoria” star Alexa Demie, and Odessa Young. Singers including Bebe Rexha and Sky Ferreira were considered for the role. Finally, Julia Garner who played Anna in Inventing Anna and was also seen in Ozark was chosen to play the pop icon.
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story presents a satire to represent the life of Yankovic, an accordionist, and parody songwriter. It is befitting of his legacy and work that a film about his life uses satire to talk about some dark and dirty issues. Daniel Radcliffe plays the titular character, and the singer himself plays Toni Scotti. The film is directed by Eric Appel. Madonna played by Evan Rachel Wood, is his love interest and villain of the film. Fans are joking that Weird: The Al Yankovic Story should serve as Madonna’s biopic.
Source: Variety
