Madonna on her biopic - ‘No one’s going to tell my story but me’

Virgin Radio

28 Jul 2022, 10:59

International pop megastar Madonna has spoken out about why she has decided to work on a film of her life, and why she won’t sell her music catalogue to anyone.

The singer is working on the screenplay for a feature-length biopic which will span her life and career. She is set to direct and produce the film as well. It has been reported that Ozark’s Julia Garner will play Madonna.

Whilst no official announcement has been made, the Inventing Anna star reportedly beat off competition from actors including Florence Pugh and Euphoria’s Alexa Demie to play the lead role.

In an interview with Variety, Madonna admitted she has a very long script for the film which is “really hard for me to make shorter.”

When talking about her decision to make a movie about herself, she explained: “I’ve had an extraordinary life, I must make an extraordinary film.”

And on why she plans to helm the project herself, she said: “It was also a preemptive strike because a lot of people were trying to make movies about me. Mostly misogynistic men.”

She added: “No one’s going to tell my story, but me.”

In the Variety interview, Madonna also spoke about her decision not to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nicks, Primal Scream, and Tina Turner, who have recently sold the rights to their recordings, songwriting catalogues, or both. 

She said: “They’re my songs. Ownership is everything, isn’t it?”

When speaking about what she plans to do with songs, including mega-hits Vogue, Holiday and Express Yourself, Madonna explained: “I’m just looking for interesting, fun ways to rerelease my catalogue and introduce my music to a new generation.”