Material girls - who will play Madonna in the forthcoming biopic?

Who would you trust to play Madonna?

Taking on the role of the Queen of Pop herself is no small feat, but by all accounts, competition has been fierce to secure the lead role in what could be the movie of the year.

With the biopic – as yet unnamed – due to be directed and co-written by Madge herself, hype is already huge, and though the auditioning process has remained super-secretive, a few select actresses have been picked to compete in a “gruelling” bootcamp to prove their suitability for the role.

We analyse the top contenders for the most coveted role in Hollywood.

Known for: Most recently, Garner played scheming socialite Anna Delvey in Inventing Anna. For this role, she needed to be scheming, sweet and manipulative all in one – and it was a balancing act she nailed.

Pros: The hair! That magnificent set of curls instantly elevates Garner to Madge lookalike. Plus, she has the range: alongside being Anna Delvey, she played Ruth Langmore in gritty Netflix show Ozark. Her star is on the rise, so this would be the perfect role to boost her into the stratosphere.

Cons: The role reportedly requires an all-rounder, which includes singing and dancing along with acting. Can Garner sing and dance? Filmed evidence is scarce, which means she might be in trouble...

Known for: Take your pick. Pugh is one of the most in-demand actresses working in Hollywood right now, with several blockbusters (including Black Widow, in which she plays Natasha’s younger sister Yelena Belova) and a number of aclaimed indie films, such as The Falling, Lady Macbeth and Fighting With My Family, under her belt.

Pros: Pugh proved she could nail impersonations when she played real-life professional wrestler Paige in Fighting With My Family. Plus, the girl’s a chameleon, rocking a pixie cut as effortlessly as the long blonde hair required to play Madonna. She’ll play the character so well, you’ll forget it’s not the real deal.

Cons: Though she loves showing off her goofy dancing on TikTok and Instagram, can Pugh pull off a hyper-choreographed Madonna routine? The jury is out.

Known for: Demie shot to fame as part of the cast of teen drama Euphoria, playing combative Maddy Perez.

Pros: If you’re looking for someone who can bring glamour, Demie is it. Plus, she has the musical chops for the role, having released two songs on Spotify ahead of a rumoured EP drop – and knows how to serve high drama thanks to starring in smash hit show Euphoria.

Cons: While she can nail the look, Demie doesn’t have as many TV or film appearances under her belt as other heavy hitters like Garner and Pugh - though perhaps that might even be an advantage when playing a bona fide icon?

Known for: Named as one of Variety’s ‘10 Brits to Watch’ in 2021, Laird’s star is on the rise, and she has since starred in American show Mayor of Kingstown, alongside Jeremy Renner.