Madonna biopic shelved after budget dispute with Universal

Pop icon Madonna has revealed that a long-planned biographical film about her life was shelved after a major disagreement with Universal Pictures over the project's budget. The singer, who was set to write and direct the movie, detailed the collapse of the project in an interview published on Monday, June 22, 2026.

Madonna said she spent approximately four years developing the biopic, including two years writing the script and another two years working with line producers at Universal Studios on budgeting and casting. The central point of contention, she explained, was the scale of the production she felt was necessary to depict her life story. "I've had an extraordinary life. I've had a huge life, so I needed a big budget," Madonna stated.

In an effort to reduce costs, the singer proposed moving production to Serbia. She said the studio was skeptical of this plan, with executives questioning whether she would commit to a lengthy shoot there. "Maybe they just didn't believe in me," Madonna said. "One of their first reactions was, 'We don't believe you'd stay in Serbia more than four days.'" The disagreement ultimately led to what she described as a "falling out" with the studio,...