The film, which had been in development since 2020 with Universal Pictures and had the working title Little Sparrow, was set to chronicle Madonna’s four-decade career spanning music, cinema and fashion.

According to a Variety report on Tuesday, Universal pulled out after Madonna’s announcement of a global tour last week – one that encompasses her entire catalogue and sold out its dates in New York, Paris and London within minutes.

But unnamed insiders told the Hollywood Reporter that the film’s cancellation had been decided late last year, long before the tour was announced.

Before Garner clinched the role, young stars – including Florence Pugh, Euphoria breakout Alexa Demie and the pop musicians Bebe Rexha and Sky Ferreira – were considered.

Photograph: Presley Ann/Getty Images/SeeHerA second draft of the script was then completed by Madonna with Erin Cressida Wilson, best known for her screenwriting work on Secretary and The Girl on the Train.

Madonna has two directing credits to her name: the provocative comedy-drama Filth and Wisdom, and W.E., a time-hopping romance about King Edward VIII.