Paul Greengrass Gets Jimi Hendrix Family Blessing For New Biopic

For those left wanting after 2013's All Is By My Side, word of a brand new Jimi Hendrix biopic film has just arrived. According to Deadline, director Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips, United 93) plans to direct a new feature dedicated to the life and times of the greatest guitarist who ever lived--and will do it with Hendrix family's blessings.

"Legendary Pictures has reached agreement with Experience Hendrix and is now moving forward with what it hopes will be the ultimate film on the man whose guitar wizardry and psychedelic fashion sense made him one of the most iconic stars in rock history, even though Hendrix died in 1970 at 27 when his star was still rising," Deadline noted.

Screenwriter Scott Silver--whose work you may recall from 8 Mile--has been tied to the yet-to-be-named project, and while a lead actor has yet to be chosen, Greengrass reportedly spoke with Anthony Mackie years ago about playing the guitar god before the project was tentatively shelved. But now, with the license granted by Experience Hendrix to use Hendix's own legendary recorded material throughout the film, fresh plans are moving ahead.

Despite a strong performance from Andre 3000 in the lead role of Jimi Hendrix, All is by my Side was considered a critical and financial failure, with only $323,000 grossed in the United States. Greengrass, however, now has the unprecedented opportunity to make a definitive biopic rich with Jimi's own material. Be sure to keep an ear out as news on production arrives. And remember, with the power of soul anything is possible.