Julia Garner Gives Cryptic Update on Madonna Biopic: ‘Every Hour It Changes’

“It’s not up to me,” said Garner of the canceled project in which she’d play Madonna

NEED TO KNOW

• Julia Garner was cast as Madonna in a biopic that has since been canceled and stuck in development limbo
• “Every hour it changes,” Garner said when asked about the project’s status in a new interview
• The Ozark alum also discussed her auditions to play Madonna, calling the pop star “a great friend”

Julia Garner is on board to play Madonna onscreen, that is, if the biopic is still happening. 

When asked about the status of the biopic during an interview with CBS Sunday Morning that aired on Sunday, Nov. 8, Garner, 32, gave a cryptic update on the project.

“I don’t know,” the Emmy-winning actress said. “Every hour it changes, in a way.”

The screen portrayal of Madonna, 68, was first announced in 2020, with Garner attached to play the pop superstar two years later. Universal Pictures then canceled the project in 2023, leaving it stuck in development limbo. 

The biopic was reportedly set to be directed by Madonna herself, with scripts written by Diablo Cody and Erin Cressida Wilson in development.

“It’s not up to me,” Garner told CBS News Sunday Morning. “I would love for the movie to get made, obviously. But I also feel whatever happens, like, I made a great friend.”

“I love Madonna. I think she’s incredible,” Garner continued.

Garner joined Madonna onstage during her Celebration Tour, and appeared in the actress-musician’s companion short film Confessions II – The Film.

“She works. She taught me properly how to work,” said Garner of the pop icon. When asked about the intense audition process for Madonna’s biopic, the actress laughed, “That’s what I mean by work.”

Garner’s auditions involved singing, dancing and acting “as her,” she said. 

“I wasn’t a trained dancer,” added the Weapons star. But when asked if she surprised herself, she responded, “Yeah, but I always try to.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In September, Garner was among those paying tribute to Madonna during the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. In a cone bra channeling the “Bring Your Love” singer’s iconic look from her 1990 Blond Ambition Tour, Garner joined Sabrina Carpenter, Charli xcx and more onstage.

Garner stars in the new Netflix series The Altruists, premiering Nov. 19.