Biopic movies are set to take over our screens in 2022 (and beyond). These are the ones not to miss
A good biopic movie is always going to be a hit with viewers – seeing an actor transform into a person or icon we already know is never not a talking point; plus we get to learn more about the lives and stories of those we have perhaps admired, adored or even questioned.
If you loved the likes of Bohemian Rhapsody, House of Gucci or Rocketman, the chances are that you'll be just as excited about these upcoming biopic movies just as much as us.
There's something for the film buff in all of us – from Austin Butler taking on the role of Elvis Presley (judging by the trailer, he's *nailed* the walk) to Naomi Ackie as Whitney Houston – and yes, it's a musical.
The ceremony has just wrapped at the Royal Albert Hall.
It's not all rock 'n' rollers and pop icons either, since a biopic of model, actress and TV personality Anna Nicole Smith is also in the works, as well as a drama based on the story of Mamie Till-Mobley, whose pursuit for justice over the killing of her son Emmett Till will be portrayed by Danielle Deadwyler.
Here's GLAMOUR's round-up of the star-studded biopics that are set to hit screens in 2022 (and beyond).
Getty ImagesElvis
Baz Luhrmann directs this epic biopic starring Austin Butler as Elvis Presley, and Tom Hanks as his manager Colonel Tom Parker. Set to hit cinemas on 24 June 2022, all we've seen so far is a snippet trailer shared on social media, with a shot of Elvis' trademark swagger and soulful vocals. Get excited.
Getty ImagesI Wanna Dance With Somebody
We can already feel the buzz surrounding the Whitney Houston biopic starring Star Wars alum Naomi Ackie - which will chart her rise to stardom. It will release on 23 December 2022.
It's said that the movie will feature Whitney's many beloved songs, using her original vocals rather than Naomi's. Producer Clive Davis told SlashFilm: "Although Whitney's incomparable vocals are used for all the songs, Naomi's extraordinary acting range enables her to masterfully capture Whitney's unique charm, star power, and, of course, her personal struggles. Naomi is the real deal and I can't imagine a better choice for this iconic role."
KMazurMichael
It's been confirmed that a Michael Jackson film is currently in the works, produced by Bohemian Rhapsody's Graham King. It's not known whether the biopic will address the multiple child sexual abuse claims that Michael faced during his life and following his death, however – though the movie has the endorsement and cooperation of his family and estate, according to Variety.
Getty ImagesFever
You can expect tune after tune in this film following the life and work of Peggy Lee, starring Michelle Williams as the celebrated jazz singer. Reese Witherspoon is producing, too, while Billie Eilish has also been rumoured to be involved.
And if you think you don't know any Peggy Lee songs, you do. Think Fever, Big Spender and It's A Good Day. What a knockout.
Getty ImagesSo Much Love
Gemma Arterton is taking on the role of Dusty Springfield in So Much Love, which she has described as a "more intimate" take than other blockbuster biopics.
She told the Daily Mirror: "I am kind of a bit terrified by it, but at the same time really excited. It’s about a specific moment in her life when she made Dusty in Memphis and went to America for the first time and did that amazing incredible album and defied everybody’s expectations.”
Getty ImagesGoing Electric
A Bob Dylan biopic starring Timotheé Chalamet was put on hold due to the pandemic back in 2020, but it's since been confirmed that production is back on (thank you, film gods).
It's said that Timmy has put a lot of work into the role, using the first covid lockdown to absorb himself in Dylan's world, even renting a place in Woodstock, New York, where the singer lived for some time.
Paul HarrisHurricanna
Not much is known about the Anna Nicole Smith biopic centring on the late model and TV personality – including who is going to play her. According to Deadline, GLOW star Betty Gilpin was in talks to take the lead role until recently, when she had to pull out due to scheduling conflicts.
So what do we know? Producers have described the film as looking at the “immense hurricane-like force that was Anna Nicole Smith, and the fateful string of events that led Anna to destroy everything in her path, including herself and those closest to her.”
Getty ImagesFaithfull
Bohemian Rhapsody's Lucy Boynton is stepping into Marianne Faithfull's shoes for a biopic about the singer's inspiring story – from her rise to fame, her publicised relationship with Mick Jagger to her experiences with heroine addiction and recovery. We're expecting lots of incredible 60s fashion and beauty looks in this one, too.
Getty ImagesTill
Telling the heartbreaking story of the racist murder of Emmett Till and its aftermath, Till stars Danielle Deadwyler as Mamie Till-Mobley, a mother desperate to get justice for her son. Whoopi Goldberg produces and co-stars as Emmett's grandmother, Alma Carthan. An important watch.
It will release in October 2022.
Michael Ochs ArchivesThe Bee Gees biopic
It doesn't have a name as yet, but things are set to get seriously funky when the Bee Gees biopic finally hits cinemas. The movie is going to be directed by Kenneth Branagh according to Deadline, but there's no word as to which trio of actors will play the Gibb brothers as yet.
Michael PutlandThe Madonna biopic
Our very own Material Girl is on the biopic bandwagon, too, and has revealed she is set to write and direct a film about her life. It's still in the early stages, by the sounds of things, but she already has her sights set on a leading lady: Florence Pugh.
She told the Associated Press in 2021: "I don't know. We haven't decided yet. But she’s definitely up there on the list, if she'll have me."
Pete StillThe Bob Marley biopic
Ziggy Marley, Rita Marley and Cedella Marley are all on board to produce a Bob Marley biopic, which Deadline reports will be directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, of King Richard fame. The film is in its early stages, but we'll wait patiently to hear who will portray the reggae icon.
Harry LangdonThe Cher biopic
Snap out of it! Cher has confirmed that a biopic based on her life and career will be produced by the makers of Mamma Mia!. Intriguing.
As for casting news, there isn't much to report, but Cher did reveal to Variety that she thinks her leading lady should be a newcomer. “We were talking about it yesterday, and we’re just trying to think of [actors],” she said. “I said, ‘I don’t think we know her yet.’”
NBCThe Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne biopic
The tumultuous love story of Ozzy and Sharon is set to be reimagined on screens – and it's a true Osbourne family affair. As yet untitled, the film will be produced by Sharon and her children Jack and Aimée under their label Osbourne Media.
Sharon has said of the movie: “Our relationship at times was often wild, insane and dangerous but it was our undying love that kept us together. We’re thrilled to partner with Sony Pictures and Polygram to bring our story to the screen.”
Getty ImagesThe Teddy Pendergrass biopic
Teddy Pendergrass' story is an incredible one – from his huge stardom as a solo R&B artist to his survival of a devastating car crash that left him paralysed from the chest down.
Actor and singer Tyrese Gibson has been confirmed to play Pendergrass in the biopic about his life, though he announced the news back in 2019. Here's hoping more details will be announced soon.
MEGAShe Said
Based on the explosive Harvey Weinstein investigation and the New York Times journalists that broke the story, She Said stars Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan as Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor – in a movie based on the book they wrote about giving Weinstein's victims a voice. It's set to be released on 18 November 2022.
