Netflix, the global streaming giant known for pushing the boundaries of biographical storytelling, is once again at the center of controversy with the upcoming release of its much-anticipated Madonna biopic, slated for late 2025. Titled “Like a Prayer: The Madonna Story”, the film has already ignited a firestorm of criticism, months before its official debut, with fans and critics alike questioning the studio’s approach to dramatizing the life of one of pop music’s most iconic figures.
A Long-Awaited Yet Contentious Project
Rumors of a Madonna biopic have swirled for years, but it wasn’t until 2023 that Netflix confirmed development of the film, originally with Madonna herself attached as director and co-writer. However, in 2024, creative differences between Madonna and Netflix executives reportedly led to her quiet departure from the director’s chair, sparking early concerns about the direction of the film.
The project was eventually handed to acclaimed yet divisive filmmaker Ava Russo, known for her visually rich but emotionally polarizing biopics. The casting of young British actress Florence Pugh as Madonna further stirred debate. While many praised Pugh’s acting pedigree, others questioned the decision to cast a non-American in the role of a woman whose rise to fame is so deeply rooted in the American cultural and political landscape of the 1980s.
Dramatization or Distortion?
The controversy surrounding the biopic has largely centered on its creative liberties. Sources who attended early private screenings have indicated that the film dramatizes key events in Madonna’s life, often exaggerating — or entirely fabricating — moments for dramatic effect. Among the most contentious elements are:
- A fictionalized romance with a political activist in the mid-80s that fans insist never occurred.
- A fabricated feud with Prince, portrayed as a central plotline despite limited public evidence of any major personal conflict.
- The portrayal of Madonna’s early days in New York City, with several scenes depicting her in situations that critics argue reinforce negative stereotypes about struggling artists and women in the music industry.
Madonna herself has remained largely silent about the film following her exit from production, though she recently posted a cryptic Instagram story with the caption, “If you’re going to tell my story, at least tell the truth.” Fans have interpreted this as a veiled critique of the biopic.
Fans React: “This Isn’t the Madonna We Know”
Longtime fans have taken to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Instagram to express their displeasure. The hashtag #NotMyMadonna has trended multiple times since the film’s teaser trailer dropped in April.
“I grew up idolizing her because she broke rules her way,” one user wrote. “This film makes it seem like she was just reacting to men in her life. That’s not Madonna. That’s lazy storytelling.”
Another fan commented, “Florence Pugh is a fantastic actress, but this performance feels like an impression, not a portrayal. And the script does Madonna dirty.”
Netflix Defends Its Vision
Netflix has defended its approach, emphasizing that the biopic is intended to be a “re-imagining” rather than a documentary. In a recent press release, Netflix described “Like a Prayer” as “a cinematic interpretation inspired by real events” that seeks to “capture the spirit, rather than the fact” of Madonna’s rise to fame.
“We understand that biopics are inherently subjective,” the statement reads. “Our goal is to honor Madonna’s cultural impact and artistic legacy, even as we explore the mythmaking that surrounds larger-than-life figures like her.”
Ava Russo, during a panel discussion at SXSW 2025, doubled down on this sentiment. “We’re not making a Wikipedia page on film,” she said. “We’re making art. Madonna is a myth, a movement, and a mosaic of contradictions. That’s what we tried to portray.”
The Larger Debate on Biopics and Artistic License
This controversy comes amid growing scrutiny of biographical films and how they blur the lines between fact and fiction. Recent biopics — such as Blonde (2022) about Marilyn Monroe and Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) about Freddie Mercury — also faced backlash for similar reasons, leading to broader debates about the ethics of dramatizing real lives.
Critics argue that with great power — especially the power to shape public perception of historical figures — comes great responsibility. Fans, meanwhile, are calling for clearer disclaimers and more involvement from the subjects or their estates when such projects are developed.
What’s Next?
Despite the backlash, “Like a Prayer: The Madonna Story” is expected to be a major release for Netflix, with a global rollout set for November 2025. The film will reportedly be accompanied by a companion documentary series featuring archival footage and interviews with those who knew Madonna personally — perhaps Netflix’s attempt at offering a more balanced view.
Still, the damage may already be done in the eyes of many fans who feel betrayed by the liberties taken with a story they hold dear.
As the release date approaches, all eyes will be on how the public at large responds — and whether the film ultimately reshapes Madonna’s legacy or reinforces why telling real stories accurately still matters.
Would you like a timeline of major events in Madonna’s life compared to how the film reportedly portrays them?
