Hendrix Estate Kills Movie Biopic
New film won\'t be made after Hendrix family pulls the plug
Jimi Hendrix’s family have stopped a planned biopic of the guitarist’s life.
A long gestating film looked set to finally go ahead next year through Legendary Pictures – the production company that made films such as The Dark Knight and Inception. Oscar nominated director Paul Greengrass and Hurt Locker actor Anthony Mackie were attached to direct and star. However, Gibson.com reports that the Jimi Hendrix Estate has now pulled the plug.
A statement from Experience Hendrix president/CEO Janie Hendrix to Deadline said: "Legendary proceeded without our permission, direction or involvement. It didn't 'fall apart,' it never was. When we do the Jimi Hendrix feature film bio, we will be involved and in control from the beginning."
But producer Bill Gerber told Deadline: "To say we proceeded without permission isn't fair. Thomas Tull couldn't have been more generous and eager to collaborate with the estate. He was ready go finance their version of Jimi's story, he got a script that made The Black List and brought Paul Greengrass to the party. It boggles the mind."
It has been speculated that the Hendrix estate are concerned about the affect the film will have on sales of Hendrix’s back catalogue. When The Doors movie came out sales of catalogue material slumped and the Hendrix Estate is worried that the same may happen with a movie of Jimi’s life.