Context:

Madonna is collaborating with Netflix to develop a limited series about her life and music, with Shawn Levy as co-producer. This new project is distinct from the previously planned biopic featuring Julia Garner, which was under development at Universal. The series is still in its nascent stages, and it remains unclear which period of Madonna's life it will cover. Julia Garner is speculated to play the role of Madonna, although no formal agreement has been reached yet. Madonna's involvement in writing the series is uncertain, but she has expressed frustration with her ongoing movie project, hinting at potential interest in the series format.

Dive Deeper:

• Madonna and Netflix are in early development of a limited series that will explore her life and musical career, with Shawn Levy joining as an executive producer. This collaboration marks a fresh start, distinct from the previously planned biopic that was set to star Julia Garner.

• The limited series will not be linked to the biopic that had been in development at Universal, which had Julia Garner lined up to portray Madonna. Despite this, Garner remains a potential candidate for the role in the Netflix series, given her ongoing professional relationship with the platform.

• Details regarding the specific timeline or aspects of Madonna's life that the series will focus on have not been disclosed. Julia Garner's recent activities, including her appearance at Madonna's 2025 Oscars party, suggest she remains connected to Madonna's circle.

• It is uncertain if Madonna will contribute to the writing of the series, although she is currently writing the script for her stalled movie project. She has publicly considered whether a television series might be a more suitable format for her storytelling.

• Shawn Levy, known for his work on popular series like Stranger Things, will bring his production expertise to the project. Madonna continues to be a significant figure in the music industry, having sold 400 million records globally and achieved numerous accolades, including her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

• Madonna is teaming up with Netflix!

• A limited series about her life and music is in early development at the streamer, with Madonna and Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy attached as executive producers, via Deadline.

• This is not related to the biopic that Madonna has been working on for years, according to the report.

• Keep reading to find out more…

• “The duo, who had been discussing the project for awhile, are starting from scratch: the biographical limited series is not related to the Madonna feature biopic which was previously in development at Universal with three-time Emmy winner Julia Garner as the choice to play the Queen of Pop,” the outlet notes.

• It’s also not yet clear which period of Madonna’s life that the Netflix series would be centered around.

• Julia has remained in Madonna‘s orbit, appearing on her Celebration Tour and partying with her at Madonna‘s 2025 Oscars party.

• “I hear the Ozark star would most likely play Madonna, subject of availability as she doesn’t have a deal. (Garner would also feel right at home at Netflix where she just signed on her for her third series, an FTX limited series, following her turns on Inventing Anna and Ozark),” Deadline notes.

• It’s not yet known if Madonna would also be writing the TV show, as she is penning the movie she’s been working on. She recently expressed frustration about making it happen, and wondered if it’d be better as a TV series.

• Shawn is an executive producer on Stranger Things, The Perfect Couple and All the Light We Cannot See.

• Madonna has sold 400 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. She is certified as the best-selling female music artist in history.

• Most recently, she suited up for the 2025 Met Gala.