Re-enactments of the lives of the rich and/or famous attract moviegoers year after year. Here are the biographical films that will be released over the next few months and which present the fascinating journey of sometimes overlooked, but always inspiring personalities.
With the popular success of “Aline”, “The Gucci Saga”, “King Richard – Beyond the Game”, “Belfast”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Judy” or even “Rocketman” in previous years, Hollywood continues to invest in the production of so-called “biopics”.
“Elvis”
PHOTO COURTESY, Hugh Stewart
Presented out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival before hitting theaters on June 24, Baz Luhrmann’s film will explore the music of the King (Austin Butler) through the prism of his relationship with “Colonel” Tom Parker (Tom Hanks, almost unrecognizable), who became his manager. As in all of the filmmaker’s films (“Moulin rouge”, “Romeo + Juliette”), the music will play a prominent role and the visual aspect will, as usual, be unusual.
“Maestro”
Bradley Cooper turns into Leonard Bernstein in this biographical film that he co-wrote and decided to direct following Steven Spielberg’s withdrawal. The life of the conductor, composer and pianist, author of the music for the musical “West Side Story” also includes Carey Mulligan and Jeremy Strong. And we are still waiting for a confirmation of the release date.
“Till”
Scheduled for October 7, “Till” centers on the story of Mamie Till-Mobley (Danielle Deadwyler), an African-American activist who fought for justice after the 1955 lynching of her son. 14 years old. The film is produced by Whoopi Goldberg who also has a role.
“Weird: The Al Yankovic Story”
Daniel Radcliffe turned into Al Yankovic for the needs of this production filmed in 18 days last February and March. Evan Rachel Wood plays Madonna in this comedy by Eric Appel, screenwriter and director for the parody site Funny or Die. No specific release date has yet been revealed.
“She Said”
With a release announced for November 18, this feature film directed by Maria Schrader is the adaptation of the eponymous work by Jodi Kantor (Zoe Kazan) and Megan Twohey (Carey Mulligan). The two women, reporters for the “New York Times”, investigated Harvey Weinstein and published articles on accusations of harassment and sexual assault.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody”
Using the title of a song by Whitney Houston, this film chronicles the beginnings of her career. With Naomi Ackie in the role of the singer who died in 2012 – the actress will not sing, it is the voice of Houston that will be heard on the screen – the film is scheduled for December 23.
On set and/or in production
Several other projects are in development…
Madonna
Florence Pugh, Julie Garner and Emma Laird are the three actresses in the running for the coveted role of Madonna in a film that will tell the story of her life until her “Blond Ambition” tour. The Material Girl herself produces, co-writes and directs the feature film.
“Piano Man”
Adam Ripp is inspired by the life of Irwin Mazur, manager of Billy Joel’s group when he was young, to write and direct this feature film. As of now, no release date has been announced.
“Michael”
Graham King, producer of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, has obtained the approval of Michael Jackson’s heirs to discuss the life of the King of Pop. It is not known, however, if the film will be interested in the accusations of pedophilia brought against Jackson.
“Fever”
Reese Witherspoon will produce this film adaptation of the life of Peggy Lee with Michelle Williams in the lead role.
“Going Electric”
Timothée Chalamet will play Bob Dylan when the author, composer and performer moved from folk to rock. The feature film, delayed due to the pandemic, will be directed by James Mangold.
“Bob Marley”
Kingsley Ben-Adir will take on the role of the father of reggae and Reinaldo Marcus Green, known for “King Richard – Beyond the game”, will pass behind the camera.
“George & Tammy”
It is for Paramount + that Jessica Chastain produces this series in which she plays Tammy Wynette. Michael Shannon plays George Jones, her husband.