Madonna Teams Up with Shawn Levy for New Netflix Limited Series
After years of speculation and a previously canceled biopic, Madonna is officially bringing her life story to the screen in a new limited series directed by Shawn Levy for Netflix. Here's everything we know so far about the ambitious project.
From Biopic to Limited Series: A Second Chance for Madonna’s Story
Madonna’s journey to share her story on screen has been a long and complicated one. In 2023, her highly anticipated biopic, which was set to star Julia Garner, was unexpectedly shelved, leaving fans wondering if the project would ever see the light of day. Madonna's commitment to telling her own story remained strong, and now, with the support of acclaimed director Shawn Levy, her life story will take a new form as a limited series on Netflix.
Julia Garner's Possible Return
Though the original biopic was canceled, rumors suggest that Julia Garner, who had been cast to play Madonna, might still be involved in this new series. The two were seen together during Madonna’s Celebration Tour in 2023, sparking speculation about their ongoing collaboration.
Julia Garner is the most likely choice to portray Madonna in her upcoming Netflix limited series, according to Deadline. pic.twitter.com/cz616m90c7
— Pop Base (@PopBase) May 12, 2025
A Story By The Woman Who Lived It
Madonna has always been clear about her desire to control the narrative of her life story. She previously stated that if anyone was going to tell her story, it had to be her. This limited series offers her the opportunity to do just that, providing a more intimate and authentic portrayal of her rise to global fame, her struggles, and her influence.
It's refreshing to see Madonna taking control of her own narrative, especially in a time when many biopics are criticized for being exploitative or misrepresenting. For example, Marilyn Monroe explicitly expressed during her lifetime that she did not want her life to be turned into a movie after her death, yet the 2022 biopic Blonde was still made, sparking backlash for portraying her as an oversexualized victim without agency. In contrast, Madonna’s decision to tell her own story reflects a push for more authentic, self-defined portrayals of iconic women in the media.
No Official Release Date Yet
The series is still in the early stages, and while details are being kept under covers, it’s likely to cover Madonna’s rise from the underground music scene in New York to becoming a global superstar. There’s no official release date yet, but it’s part of Netflix’s upcoming lineup.
Are you excited about this project? Let us know in the comments!