Madonna biopic: Florence Pugh and Sky Ferreira reportedly in the running to play musical icon
One person has described audition process as "gruelling".
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Wiki Commons
Actresses such as Florence Pugh, Emma Laird, and Julia Garner, as well as music artists including Bebe Rexha and Sky Ferreira, are among those being considered to play the musical icon that is Madonna, reports suggest.
The film – which Madonna herself would rather be called a “visual autobiography” – is firmly underway, with the Queen of Pop calling the experience “surreal”.
The currently untitled project will “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,” according to Madonna.
“Grueling”
The Hollywood Reporter (THR) reports that possible Madonnas are currently being whittled down with a number of actresses and musicians taking part in what has been called “Madonna Bootcamp”.
One source told the industry bible that auditions have been “grueling,” having gone on for months already.
Sources also say that hopefuls are taking part in up to 11-hour-a-day rehearsals including choreography, script reading, and singing sessions – sometimes with the Material Girl herself.
“You have to be able to do everything,” another person has told THR. It’s understood that the film, which is being co-written and directed by Madonna, will climax with the 1990 Blonde Ambition tour.
However, it’s also understood that the film is very much in development and the script is not finalised and yet to get the official green light.
Musical biopics often have their subjects — or subjects’ relatives or estates — involved, in order to retain the requisite rights.
Elton John served as executive producer on Rocketman, with his husband David Furnish producing the film through their Rocket Pictures, and the upcoming Bob Marley biopic at Paramount has the late singer’s children and wife onboard to produce.
But Madonna’s involvement — she is the subject, co-writer and director — is particularly notable.
Madonna announced the film in 2020, and would be working on the screenplay with Oscar-winner Diablo Cody. THR reports that Cody has since exited the project and Erin Cressida Wilson (The Girl on the Train) has stepped in.
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