Madonna says a budget dispute with Universal Pictures ended plans for a biopic about her life. In recent interviews, she says she “needed a big budget” because she has had a “huge life,” and that disagreements over cost between her and Universal led to the project being shelved. Multiple outlets report that Madonna’s biopic had progressed to development, including a writing and directing role for the singer and screenwriting involvement from notable industry figures. The project also had casting developments, with Julia Garner at one point attached to portray Madonna. The accounts also note that Universal had secured the rights in the early stages after a competitive process, with Madonna participating as a co-writer and director. Madonna’s comments indicate that the budget impasse was the central reason the film did not move forward, even as later consideration shifted to other avenues. Reporting also mentions she has discussed the fate of related plans, including a potential limited series adaptation, as the biopic stalled.