Madonna Returns to Acting in Season 2 of Apple TV+’s ‘The Studio’
Madonna is stepping back into the world of acting, joining the cast of the Emmy-winning Apple TV+ comedy series The Studio for its second season. The pop icon was spotted in Venice, Italy, this week on the set of the show, marking her first live-action acting role in over two decades.
What is ‘The Studio’ About?
The Studio, co-created by and starring Seth Rogen, offers a satirical look behind the scenes of a Hollywood film studio. Rogen plays Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of the fictional Continental Studios, as he navigates the challenges of the modern entertainment industry, including streaming, celebrity demands and intellectual property adaptation – all while attempting to greenlight a movie based on the Kool-Aid Man. The Hollywood Reporter notes the show won major awards heading into its second season.
Madonna’s Return to the Screen
A photo shared on Madonna’s Instagram Story shows her reading a script in a gondola in Venice, with the caption “The Italian job.” While the nature of her role remains undisclosed, Billboard confirms her appearance in the upcoming season.
Madonna’s last live-action film role was in the 2002 romantic comedy Swept Away, directed by Guy Ritchie. She also made a cameo appearance on the television series Will & Grace in 2003.
Beyond Acting: Madonna’s Recent Projects
Although she’s been absent from live-action acting for over 20 years, Madonna has remained active in Hollywood. She previously announced plans for a biopic about her life, with Julia Garner initially cast to play the pop star. However, the project was paused in 2023 as Madonna focused on her highly successful Celebration Tour, which grossed over $200 million and culminated in a record-breaking free concert in Rio de Janeiro for over 1.6 million fans. Billboard reports she has since teased a return to the biopic project.
Season 1 Cast and What to Expect
The Studio’s first season featured a star-studded cast including Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, Kathryn Hahn, Bryan Cranston, and the late Catherine O’Hara. Season 1 was praised for its “playful critiques of Hollywood and the film industry” Yahoo News UK reports.
Production on Season 2 is currently underway in Venice, but a premiere date has not yet been announced.