Fantastic Four Star Julia Garner Talks About Her 'Madonna' Biopic

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Actress Julia Garner, best known for her roles in the series "Ozark" and the film "Fantastic Four: First Steps," has confirmed that the Madonna biopic is still moving forward.

This news comes after speculation that the film might be delayed or even canceled.

Garner, who will portray the music icon, revealed several intriguing details about the film's development and her extraordinary audition process.The biopic was first announced in 2022, but faced significant delays throughout 2023.

This delay occurred because Madonna was focusing on her highly anticipated "Celebration Tour," which fans around the world have been eagerly awaiting.

However, Julia Garner assured the public that the film, which will chronicle Madonna's life and journey, remains a priority and is currently in development.

This confirmation from Julia Garner is certainly a welcome relief for Madonna fans and biopic enthusiasts.

With Madonna's direct involvement as director and screenwriter, the film is expected to present an authentic and in-depth story about one of the most influential figures in pop music history.

Garner herself has shown great dedication in preparing for her role, including undergoing very challenging auditions.

Julia Garner emphatically stated on the “SmartLess” podcast that the Madonna biopic “should still be happening” and remains “in the works,” denying previous reports that the project had been delayed or canceled.

This statement provides clarity on the production status of the long-awaited film.She explained that “great things take a long time,” referring to the project’s lengthy development period.

According to Garner, the delay is part of the creative process to ensure the highest quality for the upcoming biopic.

Although the production schedule was disrupted by Madonna’s world tour, commitment to the project remains strong.

Garner remains in constant communication with Madonna, indicating that the collaboration between the two is progressing well and that the project remains her primary focus.

Garner described her audition process as an “intense” and “grueling” experience, involving hours of choreography and singing live in front of Madonna.

This demonstrates the rigorous nature of the selection process for such an iconic role.

She admitted that she is not a trained dancer and had to learn to dance specifically for the audition.

To prepare, Garner emulated Madonna’s fearless attitude, asking herself, “What would Madonna do?” and approaching the audition with confidence.

Garner successfully embodied the “convince you she belongs in this room” mentality during her audition.

Other actresses reportedly competing for the role included Florence Pugh, Alexa Demie, Anne Winters, and Odessa Young, demonstrating the extremely high level of competition.

Julia Garner revealed that she grew up listening to Madonna's music, and that experience served as a significant inspiration during her preparation for the role.

This personal connection helped her immerse herself in the character of the Queen of Pop.She also maintains contact with Madonna, even posing for a photo at Steven Klein's birthday party in May 2023.

This close relationship demonstrates the strong professional and personal connection between the actress and her biopic subject.

Furthermore, Garner also joined Madonna on stage during one of her tour stops in Brooklyn in December 2023.

This interaction confirmed the support and closeness they shared, reinforcing her belief that she was the perfect choice to portray Madonna.

The biopic is expected to chronicle Madonna's life and career, focusing on her journey as an artist, musician, and dancer.

It will provide a comprehensive look at the legend's evolution.

Madonna herself is expected to direct the film, which she also co-wrote.

In July 2024, Madonna confirmed that the script and working title for the film were already in place: "Who's That Girl," a tribute to her 1987 film and song.

The film does not yet have an official release date.

In addition to the Madonna biopic, Julia Garner is currently starring in "Fantastic Four: First Steps," where she plays Shalla-Bal, a new iteration of the Silver Surfer.

This marks the character's first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Garner, who has won three Emmy Awards for her role as Ruth Langmore in "Ozark" and was nominated for "Inventing Anna," dismissed criticism of her portrayal of the Silver Surfer, asserting that she would "still do my job" because her character is Shalla-Bal, a female character from the comics.