Musician David Bowie passed away in 2016, and the legendary artist’s life is slated to be the subject of an upcoming film, “Stardust.” Now, it’s been revealed that British musician and actor Johnny Flynn will portray Bowie in the movie.
The film will follow Bowie’s life, starting with the London native’s first visit to the United States in 1971, which is said to have inspired the creation of his alter-ego, Ziggy Stardust. Produced by Salon Pictures, “Stardust” co-stars Jena Malone as Bowie’s wife, Angie, and Marc Maron as his record company publicist. Principal photography will begin in June 2019. The film will be directed by Gabriel Range (“I Am Slave”) and written by Christopher Bell (“The Last Czars”).
Flynn himself is most well-known for his role as Dylan on the Netflix sitcom “Lovesick.” He also recently played opposite “Game of Throne” actor Kit Harington in Sam Shepard’s play “True West,” in London’s West End.
Getty Images | Dimitrios Kambouris
The film does not currently have rights to use Bowie’s music. According to his son, Duncan Jones, the film also does not have the blessing of the family.
Im not saying this movie is not happening. I honestly wouldn’t know.
Im saying that as it stands, this movie won’t have any of dads music in it, & I can’t imagine that changing. If you want to see a biopic without his music or the families blessing, thats up to the audience.— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) January 31, 2019
“I’m not saying this movie is not happening,” Jones wrote in a tweet on Jan. 31. “I honestly wouldn’t know. I’m saying that as it stands, this movie won’t have any of dad’s music in it, & I can’t imagine that changing. If you want to see a biopic without his music or the family’s blessing, that’s up to the audience.”
For their part, the producers have specified that the movie is not intended to be a life- or career-spanning biopic.
“It is a moment in time film at a turning point in David’s life, and is not reliant on Bowie’s music,” they said in a statement. “Much like ‘Nowhere Boy’ for Lennon, or ‘Control’ for Joy Division, the production uses period music and songs that Bowie covered, but not his original tracks.”
Will you watch anyway?