Pop icon Madonna reveals why her biopic never went into production, says "I've had a huge life...needed a big budget"
Los Angeles, June 22
Pop icon Madonna has revealed the reason why her biopic never went into production.
According to a Variety report, Madonna opened up about having a fallout with Universal Pictures over budgeting issues, which eventually killed her biopic film.
"I was supposed to make a movie about my life. I worked on my script for two years and spent two years at Universal Studios with the line producers doing budgeting and casting. We had a falling out, me and Universal, regarding the budget because I needed -- I've had an extraordinary life. I've had a huge life, so I needed a big budget. You know what I mean?" she said in an interview, according to Variety.
As shared by Madonna, the studio "couldn't get their heads around" the budget that was needed to make a biopic on her life.
"I tried to find a way to make it for less money in Serbia. Maybe they just didn't believe in me. One of their first reactions was, 'We don't believe you'd stay in Serbia more than four days.' And I said, 'Did you read the script?' My whole life has been survival. I'm not going there for a holiday. But anyway, I was in limbo when that fell apart, and then Netflix reached out to make a series. That was a whole other long process, because I couldn't use the script I had with Universal unless I bought it from them for an extortionist's price, even though I wrote it. Don't ask," she said.
In 2021, Universal Pictures won a multi-studio auction to make a film about Madonna's life, with the singer-actor on board to co-write and direct.
Screenwriters Diablo Cody and Erin Cressida Wilson were also attached to the film over the years.
As shared by sources, the biopic would have followed Madonna from her humble beginnings in Michigan through her artistic coming of age in New York City during the 80s.
Meanwhile, Netflix is currently developing an autobiographical series on Madonna via Shawn Levy's exclusive TV deal at the streamer.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I wonder if they realized that making a film about Madonna is like trying to film a cyclone. You need a big budget, yes, but also a director who isn’t afraid to be bold. The whole 'we don't think you'll stay in Serbia' comment just shows they underestimated her resilience. She literally fought the music industry's misogyny for decades, but a few days in Serbia is too much? Come on.
I’m not a huge Madonna fan, but I respect her hustle. The fact that she wrote her own script and spent two years on casting shows she was serious. Studios always want to control the narrative, especially for a female icon. If this was about a male rock star, the budget wouldn't even be a question. Fingers crossed the Netflix series actually happens. 🙏
While I understand her frustration, I think it’s also fair for studios to want to manage budgets. Not every movie needs a massive budget to tell a powerful story. Maybe instead of fighting for a huge sum, she could have focused on a more intimate version that captures her essence. But then again, she’s Madonna—she does what she wants. 😅
The real takeaway here is the masterclass in persistence. From the original biopic falling apart to now a series with Netflix, Madonna doesn't give up. And honestly, a series might be better—her life has so many chapters that even a 3-hour film would feel rushed. Although, I do feel bad she had to deal with that script ownership nonsense. You write something, but it belongs to the studio? That's the kind of legal stuff that can kill creativity. 😤
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