A feature film based on the legendary American rock band Bon Jovi is currently in development, with Universal Pictures securing the project after winning a competitive bidding war.
Screenwriter Cody Brotter has been hired to write the script for the film. Brotter is also the writer behind the upcoming crypto-themed thriller Killing Satoshi, which stars Pete Davidson and Casey Affleck.ย The project is still in the early stages of development. A director has not yet been attached, and casting decisions for the actors who will portray the bandโs members are yet to be made.
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Bon Jovi was formed in 1983 and went on to achieve worldwide fame with a string of hit songs, including Livinโ on a Prayer, You Give Love a Bad Name and Itโs My Life.ย The bandโs founding line-up included frontman Jon Bon Jovi, keyboardist David Bryan and drummer Tico Torresโall of whom remain part of the group today. Guitarist Richie Sambora left the band in 2013, while bassist Alec John Such departed in 1994 and passed away in 2022.
At this stage, it is unclear which era of the bandโs long career the movie will explore, or whether the storyline will focus on a particular milestone in their journey or present a broader portrayal of their rise to global fame.
The film will be produced by Kevin J Walsh and Gotham Chopra through their company Religion of Sports. Development for the studio will be overseen by Jacqueline Garell, Universalโs director of production development.
Music biopics have enjoyed strong popularity in recent years, with films such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Elvis and Bob Marley: One Love performing well at the global box-office.
Universal also holds the international distribution rights for the upcoming Michael, which is scheduled to release in April. Meanwhile, filmmaker Sam Mendes is developing four interconnected films about The Beatles for Sony Pictures.