Kenneth Branagh is set to direct an upcoming Bee Gees biopic, it has been announced.
According to Variety, Oscar-nominated actor and filmmaker Kenneth Branagh (Dunkirk, Wallander, Henry V) will be stepping into the director's chair for the upcoming film chronicling the Gibb brothers’ – Barry, Maurice and Robin – career, life and legacy.
The film will following the humble beginnings of the family band and their journey to superstardom. From their first No. 1 hit, “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” the Bee Gees went on to become kings of disco, writing and releasing a slew of hits, including their work on the soundtrack for the 1977 classic, Saturday Night Fever.
Bee Gees | “Night Fever” [Saturday Night Fever]
Punk comedian, Ben Elton, who’s previous work includes a smash hit musical based on the sings of Queen titled, We Will Rock You, is writing the script for the as-yet-untitled biopic.
While actor Kenneth Branagh is a veteran of the silver screen and has starred in countless films, his recent directorial credits include 2020’s Artemis Fowl, 2015’s Cinderella and Marvel’s Thor starring Chris Hemsworth. Branagh has received five Oscar nominations, including best director and actor for Henry V and adapted screenplay for Hamlet.
Last year, the Bee Gees were the subject of an HBO documentary titled How Can You Mend a Broken Heart which was directed by Frank Marshall. Barry Gibb, the only surviving member of the band, featured in the film. Maurice died in 2003 due to complications of a twisted intestine and Robin passed away in 2012 from colorectal cancer.
It has been reported that Barry Gibb will serve as executive producer of the upcoming biopic, alongside Graham King who produced the Bohemian Rhapsody biopic in 2018. The film has the approval of the Gibb Estate and will feature material from the Bee Gees extensive catalogue of disco hits.
Further details on the upcoming project – including a title, casting and release date – have not yet been confirmed. We will keep you posted!
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