Good News, Bad News: Bowie’s Untold Story
Let’s break it down, folks. On one hand, there’s some pretty exciting news for fans of the iconic David Bowie. A biopic titled Stardust is in the works, set to explore Bowie’s first trip to the United States—a pivotal moment in his career. And guess who’s been tapped to play the legendary artist? Actor Johnny Flynn, who’s already making waves with his performance in Beast and his current role at London’s Vaudeville Theatre in True West. Sounds like a dream casting, right? But hold up, because there’s a twist. Bowie’s son, Duncan Jones, has spoken out, and it’s not exactly glowing praise. Let’s dive deeper into what’s going on.
Duncan Jones Weighs In: Is Stardust in Jeopardy?
Duncan Jones, a filmmaker in his own right, took to Twitter to voice his concerns about the film. He made it crystal clear that no one has been granted the rights to use Bowie’s music for any biopic, and he would certainly know. Here’s what he had to say: “Pretty certain nobody has been granted music rights for any biopic… I would know. I’m not saying this movie is not happening. I honestly wouldn’t know. I’m saying that as it stands, this movie won’t have any of dad’s music in it, and I can’t imagine that changing. If you want to see a biopic without his music or the family’s blessing, that’s up to the audience.”
This statement throws a wrench into the plans for Stardust. Without the iconic tunes that defined Bowie’s career, how can the film truly capture his essence? It seems like the filmmakers have their work cut out for them. But hey, anything’s possible. Maybe negotiations will heat up and we’ll see a resolution that pleases everyone.
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Other Musical Biopics: Riding the Success Wave
With the massive success of Bohemian Rhapsody, it’s no wonder that Hollywood is scrambling to produce more musical biopics. We already know that Rocketman, the story of Elton John’s early life, is set to hit screens with Taron Egerton taking on the role of the flamboyant singer. Then there’s The Power of Love, inspired by Celine Dion’s life and career. Interestingly, this one is being described as a fictionalized version, with Valerie Lemercier both directing and starring as the lead character—though she won’t be named Celine.
It’s clear that the appetite for these stories is huge, but the challenge remains: how do you honor the legacy of these artists without their iconic music? That’s the million-dollar question for Stardust.
What’s Next for Stardust?
Assuming the filmmakers can work things out with Duncan Jones—and let’s be honest, it seems unlikely that the film can move forward without Bowie’s music—production on Stardust is expected to kick off in June. That’s just around the corner, so the clock is ticking. Fans are holding their breath, hoping for a resolution that allows them to experience Bowie’s story in all its glory.
Johnny Flynn. (Photo by Robbie Jack/Corbis via Getty Images)
Staying Tuned: The Future of Music Biopics
As the world waits to see how Stardust unfolds, it’s clear that the appetite for music biopics isn’t going anywhere. Whether it’s the story of a rock legend like David Bowie or the rise of a pop icon like Celine Dion, audiences are hungry for these tales. The challenge for filmmakers is to deliver these stories with authenticity and respect for the artists they’re portraying. Only time will tell if Stardust can rise to the occasion.
