Are music biopics hot property now? After the stirring success of Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman, the only question you should be asking is:
Why did you even ask?
Here are seven music biopics that all music fans should watch.
1. Amy Winehouse
Who can forget Amy?
With that trademark beehive and soulful voice, she introduced a generation of fans to soul music but tragically died of alcohol poisoning at the age of 27.
Even after two documentary films (one in 2015, the other 2018), public interest in her short, tragic life still persists till this day.
Her rollercoaster life story is perfect for a biopic and it was announced last year that one will be in the pipeline, with Amy’s father, Mitch, in consultation.
Mitch previously said in a statement that he felt finally the "time was right”.
2. David Bowie
Is there any singer as flamboyant and electric as David Bowie?
Relax, that’s just a rhetorical question.
Ever since Bowie left a Ziggy Stardust-sized hole in our lives in 2016, fans have been crying out for a biopic. Good news, Stardust is currently in development and takes us back to 1971 when Bowie (Johnny Flynn from Song One) travels across the pond to turns into Ziggy Stardust -- one of his most famous and instantly recognisable alter egos.
A thing to note though: Duncan Jones, son of David Bowie, said that none of his late father’s music rights have been granted.
What a pity though.
3. Bob Marley
No woman, no cry. But no Marley, no joy?
Yes, definitely.
It’s been 38 years since the Reggae legend died of cancer but he’s legacy continues to mesmerise generations of music lovers.
So when news broke that his son, Ziggy Marley -- a Grammy-winning musician -- and Paramount Pictures are developing a biopic for him, fans are naturally stoked.
Although its cast and crew have not been announced, it’s only fitting for a man who made Reggae music accessible for the mainstream audience.
4. Celine Dion
What can we say about the Canadian songstress?
Near, far, wherever she is, people all over the world know of her songs -- in particular, My Heart Will Go On.
Her biopic, named after one of her most famous songs, called The Power of Love, is written, starred and directed by Valerie Lemercier, a French actress and singer.
Not much info is available as of now but IMDB states that the movie is in post production.
Which means My Heart Will Go On is set for a revival.
5. Boy George
A biopic on Boy George?
Boy, oh boy. Heck yes.
The 57-year-old (gasp!) is known for many things: Culture Club, drug problems, Karma Chameleon, Do You Really Want to Hurt Me. But he’s most famous for his glam fashion sense and androgynous look.
Which will certainly make for a very entertaining biopic, which was announced earlier this year.
Sacha Gervasi, who directed Anvil and wrote The Terminal, is set to write and direct this film, exploring George Alan O'Dowd’s formative years in Ireland.
6. Elvis Presley
Are there any bigger shoes to fill?
Elvis Presley -- or the King of Rock -- will be back (on the silver screen) very soon. Austin Butler, who recently starred in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, has been cast as Elvis, while a certain Tom Hanks has also been cast as his manager Colonel Tom Parker.
Directed by Baz Luhrmann, who also helmed Moulin Rouge! and Romeo + Juliet, the biopic will hit theatres 2021.
7. John Lennon and Yoko Ono
Can you imagine a world without John Lennon’s songs?
Not much is known about this project but we heard that Jean Marc Vallée (Dallas Buyers Club, Wild) will probably direct this film written by Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody).
Judging from its subject, it’s probably safe to say that the biopic will feature heavily John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s activism and fight for peace.
