The Rolling Stones Biopic Is Happening

The Rolling Stones are heading to the big screen after reportedly finalizing a biopic deal with American production company 101 Studios. The idea sprung after a growing wave of major rock biopics, including Sam Mendes’ planned four-film project about The Beatles, and James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown,” which Mick Jagger publicly praised.

Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are said to have signed the contract last month, after being impressed by the studio’s track record, which includes three Taylor Sheridan hits: “Yellowstone,” “Landman,” and “Mayor of Kingstown.”

While the deal is described as “done,” casting has not yet begun, and the filmmakers are still deciding how the story will unfold and which period of the Stones’ six-decade career it will cover. There is also no director attached — although Stones superfan Martin Scorsese immediately springs to mind as a filmmaker Jagger and Richards will likely want to lure (though I doubt he’ll accept).

Jagger has previously discussed his vision for the film, saying he would prefer a story focused on the band’s early years rather than a conventional cradle-to-present biopic. He has also made it quite clear that he wants an actor in their 20s to portray him during the group’s rise to fame, when he was around 19 or 20. Rather than casting an established star, Jagger said he would favour a relatively unknown performer who is “on the cusp of being famous.”