Madonna explains decision to make her own biopic: 'No one's going to tell my story but me'
Madonna knows biopics are hot right now, and that's precisely why she got the jump on making one about her own life.
Speaking with Variety, the seven-time Grammy winner said making a biopic was about self-preservation and integrity.
"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," she said. "Mostly misogynistic men."
The pop star continued, "So I put my foot in the door and said, 'No one's going to tell my story, but me.'"
As for when fans will be able to see her forthcoming biopic, Madonna said she's still tinkering on the script, confessing, "I have a very long script that is really hard for me to make shorter. I've been whittling away at it, but it's like hacking off my limbs."
Ensuring her life story remains firmly hers also extends to her music. While iconic musicians such as Justin Timberlake and Bruce Springsteen have sold their catalogs for hefty sums, Madonna vowed to never go that route.
"They're my songs," she said. "Ownership is everything isn't it?"
Madonna co-wrote her biopic with Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody, who spoke with ABC Audio about the experience.
"I don't think I've ever met anybody with a work ethic like that before. Madonna is just on another level," the "Juno" writer said. "If you had told me when I was in the fifth grade that someday I would get to hang out with Madonna ... and sit at her knee as she shared the stories of her life I would never have believed you."
"I can't really say that much about [the movie]," she added, "but I can say that I'm profoundly grateful for the experience."
