Major update on Madonna’s film biopic as huge actress has been secretly preparing for the role for a year

MADONNA is preparing to strike a pose on the big screen after reviving her plans for a big-screen biopic.

I can reveal the Queen of Pop is focusing on the film of her life again after she put the project on ice in January last year so to work on her massive Celebration tour.

Ozark actress Julia Garner, I am told, is still on board to play Madge, secretly taking dancing and singing lessons for the past year.
Madonna is now lining up meetings with Universal Pictures to get the ball rolling again, with the hope they can finalise the script this summer.

A Hollywood source said: “Madonna has only just finished her tour but in her mind it is on to the next project and fulfilling her dream of getting the biopic made.

"Julia is still her lead actress and they have remained in touch for the past year, talking through ideas.

“They are committed to creating some magic.

"Madonna feels that Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody and Elton John’s Rocketman biopics have paved the way for her.

“She wants to make this more unique and dramatic than those.

“A range of secret meets are being organised with Universal Pictures to get the project nailed down.

"There is a lot to work on with locking down the rest of the cast, arranging shoots and completing the script but the hope is that they can start filming in the next 12 months.”

Madonna is also going to direct the film, after saying she wanted to be hands on with the project.

She decided on the movie after learning someone else was going to make a film about her life.

Madge said: “I’ve had an extraordinary life, I must make an extraordinary film.

“It was also a preemptive strike because a lot of people were trying to make movies about me. Mostly misogynistic men.

“So I put my foot in the door and said, ‘No one’s going to tell my story, but me’.”

Not many people fancy risking the wrath of Madonna.

And now she’s back on the ball, you can bet she’ll be running a tight ship.

HALL OR NOTHING FOR PISTOLS

PUNK legend Frank Carter has joined forces with Sex Pistols rockers Paul Cook, Glen Matlock and Steve Jones in a bid to save a historic venue.

They will play two special shows on August 13 and 14 to raise funds for Bush Hall in Shepherd’s Bush, West London, which has been struggling since the pandemic.

Frank and the Pistols will perform the band’s 1977 album Never Mind The Bollocks in full on both nights.

All the cash raised will be pumped back into the venue.

Frank told me: “When the Sex Pistols call, you answer. I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

Steve added: “If it all goes wrong, it’s Paul’s f***ing fault.”

Classic.

MISS MISS FURTADO? NOT ON YOUR NELLY

NELLY FURTADO hadn’t performed a headline show here for almost two decades – so even Hollywood stars turned out to see her.

The Canadian I’m Like A Bird singer headlined the first day of Mighty Hoopla festival in South London’s Brockwell Park on Saturday, where actor’s Andrew Scott, Jonathan Bailey and Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan all partied the day away.

Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall was at the pop extravaganza too, where Cher Lloyd, Bananarama and Claire Richards all performed.

Alesha Dixon also delivered a surprise set to promote new single Ransom – after an evening out partying on Friday ahead of last night’s Britain’s Got Talent final.

She told the crowd: “I got three hours’ sleep but I’m so happy to be back.

“Thank you for rocking with me for the past 20 years.”

Yesterday there were sets from Rachel Stevens, Jessie Ware and Rita Ora.

It wasn’t the only star-studded gig in the capital. though.

Johnny Depp and Anya Taylor-Joy were spotted watching St Vincent’s sold-out show at the Royal Albert Hall, where she played songs from her new album All Born Screaming.

These showbiz types do get around . . .

CARA SHOW IS TAY OKAY

KATE MOSS was the first big name to see Cara Delevigne’s final week in West End show Cabaret.

But she was outdone by Cara’s pal Taylor Swift, who was spotted in the audience at London’s Kit Kat Club on Friday, the night before Cara’s final bow.

My friend who was there says: “Taylor was rapt by Cara’s performance.

"She must have been backstage with her before taking her seat because she wasn’t in the bar area.

"Taylor was clearly so proud of Cara, supporting her mate.”

Taylor starts the British leg of her Eras tour in Edinburgh on Friday and I have no doubt Cara will repay the favour by watching Tay when her show comes to Wembley Stadium.

VICK ON SCOTT’S WEDDING GUST LIST

VICK HOPE had her own Marilyn Monroe moment at Scott Mills’ wedding.

The Radio 1 DJ was seen laughing as a gust of wind blew up her floral frock, just like what happened to movie great Marilyn’s white dress in 1954.

She was heading to the nuptials venue in Sitges, near Barcelona, with DJ husband Calvin Harris.

Radio 2 star Scott and partner Sam Vaughan wiped away tears as they exchanged vows in matching tuxedos and shades and shared a kiss.

There was not a dry eye as guests showered them in confetti.

Rylan Clarke and Capital Breakfast radio DJ Chris Stark – as master of ceremony – were among those present.

Sam Ryder sang, Pixie Lott belted out Ellie Goulding hit How Long Will I Love You and Joel Corry took on DJ duties as the party went on until 2am yesterday.

Radio’s Zoe Ball and Jordan North joined in the fun too.

My source said: “Scott was in tears, so was Sam. It was a beautiful and emotional ceremony.

"They had all their friends and family with them as they said their vows then got the party started.

"Speeches happened around 7pm and there were tears then too, with Scott and Sam having their first dance a few hours later.”

The night before they hosted drinks at the MiM hotel in Sitges, where Calum Scott performed.

I’m told guests stayed at the Xalet del Nin hotel in nearby Barcelona and were offered a free massage yesterday to ease hangovers.

Scott said: “We had the most incredible day. To celebrate with all our friends and family in Spain was so special.

"We are looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together.”

Scott is one of the nicest blokes in the business and we couldn’t be happier for him and Sam.

Congratulations, both. The rest of your lives begins now.