In this January 10, 2001 Variety article by Army Archerd, it becomes obvious how long Madonna has wanted to be the transvestite superstar Candy Darling. on film at least.

The life of female entertainer Candy Darling, who appeared in several Andy Warhol movies, is heading to the screen — by producer Lorna Luft, who has just completed “Life With Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows” for ABC. Darling, who died March 21, 1974, was discovered by Warhol in “Give My Regards to Off Off Broadway” and segued to the screen in “Flesh” and “Women in Revolt.” And was part of Warhol’s entourage at Gotham parties. At one time, Madonna reportedly wanted to portray Darling in a planned pic version of “A Low Life in High Heels,” about Warhol’s pals Darling, Jackie Curtis and Holly Woodlawn. But Lorna tells me the part will be played by a male, “a boy who has to be unbelievably beautiful.” Luft says her mom, Judy Garland, had known Darling in/around New York and Lorna had met him. “He looked like Kim Novak.” Lorna says she was at the Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh and saw a copy of “My Face for the World to See,” Darling’s diaries published by Darling’s executor, Jeremiah Newton. Luft obtained rights and will follow through on screen with Story Line.