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Musical Biopics will make a massive comeback over the next few years. Some icon titans of pop and rock & roll will have their stories told by major film studios starting in the summer of 2022, with many more upcoming biopics still in production. Some of these movies are a fresh take on existing biopics, and some will depict previously untold stories. Movie and music fans alike are excited to see the fascinating biographies of their favorite artists come to life on the big screen. Furthermore, they’re curious to see how some of the biggest names in Hollywood perform these roles.
10. An Untitled Grateful Dead Movie Is In The Works
Martin Scorsese and Jonah Hill are coming back together to work on a Grateful Dead biopic. Jonah Hill will star as Jerry Garcia in the untitled film, which has no official release date. Martin Scorsese previously served as executive producer for the documentary Long Strange Trip, which details the band’s colorful history. Scorsese’s working knowledge of the band and its sensational leader have fans feeling hopeful about the film’s prospects, even without confirmation of when production of the musical biopic will begin.
9. Bradley Cooper Directs A Leonard Bernstein Biopic For Netflix
Bradley Cooper is currently directing and starring in the much-anticipated Netflix movie, Maestro. This biopic tells the story of famous composer Leonard Bernstein and is set to premiere in 2023. The film spans the 1940s through the 1980s, showing Bernstein’s career from its humble beginnings through his death in 1990. A Star Is Born fans are happy to see the Oscar-nominated actor take on his second major directorial project.
8. Weird: The Al Yankovic Story Will Star Daniel Radcliffe
Harry Potter fans will get yet another chance to see Daniel Radcliffe in a dramatic role. Weird: The Al Yankovic Story will premiere sometime in fall 2022 on Roku, with Radcliffe starring as the irreplaceable Al. Stills from the film depict Radcliffe as a very convincing Yankovic, complete with signature curly hair and an accordion. Radcliffe has steadily made a name for himself as an accomplished dramatic actor, and fans are anticipating that he’ll do the Yankovic story justice.
7. Eric Roth is Writing An Upcoming Biopic About Cher
Oscar-winner Eric Roth is reportedly writing a biopic about Cher. The production team responsible for Mamma Mia! will produce the film, along with Cher herself. Few details are confirmed about the biopic so far, but Cher has some strong opinions about who should play her in the movie. According to interviews, Cher would like an unknown actress to be cast, in the role. Given the stellar team working on the film, such a role has the potential to launch a successful career for a young actress.
6. Upcoming Biopic Retelling The Bob Marley Story
Director Reinaldo Marcus Green is bringing Bob Marley’s story to life in a currently untitled biopic, set to release in January of 2024. The film will primarily focus on the production of 1977’s Exodus, a studio album that Marley recorded with The Wailers. Bob Marley’s son, Ziggy, was reported consulted by Green in the making of the film. Furthermore, Marley’s widow Rita and daughter Cedella are executive producers of the biopic. So far, the project is truly a family affair.
5. Austin Butler Bringing Elvis To The Big Screen
The upcoming biopic simply dubbed Elvis will hit theaters this summer. Despite mixed reviews from critics, fans look forward to this version of the Elvis Presley story because of the film’s unique vantage point. The movie focuses on the relationship between Elvis (Austin Butler) and his somewhat mysterious manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Tom Hanks stars as Parker, wearing heavy makeup and prosthetics to achieve the infamous manager’s famous look. This biopic will be equal parts music and drama – a satisfying combination for a summer film.
4. The Michael Jackson Biopic May Premiere On His 65th Birthday
Audiences have heard iterations of the Michael Jackson story before, but Liongate’s Michael will portray the King of Pop in an even more humanistic light than previous biopics. Jackson’s estate will co-produce the film with Graham King, part of the team that brought the Freddie Mercury fan-favorite biography, Bohemian Rhapsody, to life. Though there’s no firm release date yet, there is speculation that the film will be ready to hit theaters in August 2023. That would be just in time for what would have been Jackson’s 65th birthday.
3. Madonna Is Directing Her Own Biopic
Leave it to Madonna to take matters into her own hands! The Rock & Roll Hall Of Famer is currently casting for a biopic about her life, which she will be directing and co-writing herself. The list of young stars vying for the role has fans feeling hopeful about a breakout role for one of the up-and-coming actresses. Among the contenders are Ozark-favorite, Julia Garner, and Alexa Demie from Euphoria. The biopic is currently untitled, with no confirmed release date. However, fans anticipate a Material Girl reference in the finalized name of the musical biopic.
2. Timothee Chalamet Will Star As Bob Dylan In Going Electric
Timothee Chalamet may be young, but he has already shown himself to be a dedicated actor. He fully immerses himself in every role he plays. Case in point: Chalamet has spent the last few years learning to play guitar in anticipation of his role as Bob Dylan in the upcoming musical biopic Going Electric. Rumors of the film’s potential release started in 2020, but the movie is officially in production as of early 2022. There’s no word on a release date yet, but fans are excited that Bob Dylan has signed on as an executive producer.
1. I Wanna Dance With Somebody Tells Whitney Houston’s Story
Star Wars fans may recognize Naomi Ackie from Episode IX: The Rise Of Skywalker. However, she will play a very different type of role in this upcoming biopic. Ackie will star as the indomitable Whitney Houston in I Wanna Dance With Somebody, set to release during the 2022 holiday season. The film’s screenplay is written by Anthony McCarten, who wrote the script for 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Many of the film’s producers were close to the real Houston before her death in 2012, including Clive Davis. Due to these influences, audiences anticipate a tragically accurate look at the late singer’s life.
Samantha Jacobs, MFA, is a freelance writer from South Florida. She is published in several literary magazines and works as a content creator and ghostwriter.
