In 2023, Madonna’s much-anticipated biopic was reportedly paused by Universal Pictures, as the Queen of Pop shifted her focus to her global Celebration Tour. On Monday (Nov. 18), she took to Instagram to share a series of recent selfies and photos, reflecting on the challenges she’s faced in telling her story.
“After struggling for days in LA, listening to producers and agents tell me why I couldn’t make my film — I’ve been working on it for 4 years!!!” Madonna began. “They said ‘downsize, think smaller,’ and I realized that everything in my life is going to be challenged.”
She went on to share how spending time with “creative friends” has pushed her to “think outside the box.” “I did not have a normal life,” she continued. “I cannot make this in the normal way.” Madonna emphasized, “We cannot shrink and make ourselves smaller. If you want something badly enough in life, the whole universe will conspire to help you get it.”
Seeking input from her fans, Madonna asked whether she should transform her life story into a series or a feature film, with many followers in the comments agreeing that a multi-part series would be the best route.
The biopic, first announced in 2020, was set to explore the life and career of the iconic musician, with Inventing Anna actress Julia Garner rumored to take on the role of the pop legend. However, the project was put on hold in 2023 as Madonna turned her attention to her tour.
In July 2024, the film appeared to be back on track when Madonna shared a post on Instagram featuring a slideshow of photos in which she was seen posing with a typewriter, working on a screenplay titled Who’s That Girl, named after her 1987 film and song. While the script was blurred, notes and circles indicated active edits.