Madonna spent four years developing a self-directed biopic at Universal Pictures, which first announced the project in 2020. She spent two years writing the screenplay herself and two more alongside the studio's line producers on budgeting and casting. Julia Garner was attached to star.
The project collapsed over budget. In a profile for Interview Magazine, Madonna described the impasse: "We had a falling out, me and Universal, regarding budget because I've had an extraordinary life."
What followed revealed more than a standard budget dispute. When Netflix approached her about adapting the project as a limited series, Madonna found she could not take the script she had written. "I couldn't use the script I had with Universal unless I bought it from them for an extortionist's price, even though I wrote it," she told Interview Magazine.
The screenplay passed through other writers before Madonna completed it herself. Diablo Cody wrote early drafts and exited the project. Erin Cressida Wilson followed and also departed. Madonna rewrote the script in full. Universal retained the rights regardless.
A separate Netflix limited series, developed with filmmaker Shawn Levy and announced in May 2025, proceeds from a different script. Julia Garner remains in consideration for that version. The original screenplay, written by the subject of its own story, sits in legal limbo.