Music

Jimi Hendrix biopic squashed by family estate

by Ciaran Thompson

Biopics are currently being made for Joe Strummer, Freddy Mercury, Jerry Lee Lewis and Tupac, however a planned film about legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix was recently axed by his estate, Experience Hendrix.

Set to star Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker, Notorious), the proposed film had a script written by Max Borenstein and included production duties by Paul Greengrass (Bloody Sunday, United 93), however The Playlist points out that the team did not ask Hendrix’s estate for permission. Bad move.

According to Legendary Pictures chief Thomas Tull, the crew had the idea to pitch Experience Hendrix with a full script and assigned actors in hopes they wouldn’t shoot it down as has often been the case with other failed projects about the guitarist. Unfortunately president and CEO Janie Hendrix didn’t buy it.

“Legendary proceeded without our permission, direction or involvement,” Hendrix said. “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.”