Biopics are prime pickings for actors looking to stretch their muscles (and earn top-tier status as a byproduct). When done well, the awards and critical accolades simply follow suit. Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody captures Freddy Mercury’s magnetic charisma and authentically dives into his identity struggles with conviction (and a dash of help from buck-toothed prosthetics and the legend’s signature thick stache). Judy is a glorious (equally heartwrenching and inspiring) return to the spotlight for Chicago star Renée Zellweger. Austin Butler in Elvis transforms his voice with such dedication he remains trapped in the gyrating rock & roller’s register. Ben Kingsley in Gandhi portrays the leader of India’s non-violent independence movement with quiet strength and unwavering resolve.
Not only do biopics tend to secure awards, but they also tend to sell tickets, so it should come as no surprise that studios keep pumping out such dramatizations. 2024 is set to bring some influential figures to life — from performers to political movers and shakers. Here’s what to look out for.
‘Bob Marley: One Love’ | February 14, 2024
Bob Marley: One Love follows the reggae icon’s meteoric rise to stardom, chronicling how he overcame adversity to become a musical and cultural revolutionary — a controversial yet undaunted supporter of democratic social reforms. The man was and remains a global symbol of Jamaican music, culture, and identity. Kingsley Ben-Adir (Secret Invasion, One Night in Miami, High Fidelity) portrays Marley in a film directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (King Richard, We Own This City) from a screenplay he co-wrote alongside Terence Winter, Frank E. Flowers, and Zach Baylin.
‘Cabrini’ | March 8, 2024
Italian immigrant Francesca Cabrini arrived in New York City in 1889, where she was met with rampant poverty, child homelessness, disease, and crime. The unfettered force for justice soon set off on a daring mission to convince the mayor to secure housing and health care for the most vulnerable. Though in poor health, with doctors estimating she has minimal years left in her life, Cabrini’s spirit remained an unshakeable force alongside her entrepreneurial mind. Cristiana Dell’Anna stars in the titular role alongside John Lithgow as Mayor Gould, David Morse as Archbishop Corrigan, and Giancarlo Giannini as Pope Leo XIII. Alejandro Monteverde (Bella) directs with a screenplay he co-wrote alongside former Sound of Freedom collaborator Rod Barr.
‘Shirley’ | March 22, 2024
Shirley is a biographical film about Shirley Chisholm — America’s first Black congresswoman. Known for taking a resolute stand against economic, social, and political injustice, Chisholm represented New York’s 12th congressional district from 1969 to 1983. In 1972, she even ran for the democratic party’s presidential nomination. The Netflix original film from Writer/Director John Ridley — known for producing 12 Years a Slave and American Crime — sees Regina King in the titular role with Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Terrence Howard, and Brian Stokes Mitchell rounding out the primary ensemble.
‘Back to Black’ | May 10, 2024
Yet another musical biopic, Back to Black spotlights the life and music of Amy Winehouse, honing in on her journey through adolescence and the ultimate creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. With a style that mixes soul, jazz, and contemporary R&B (with notes of blues and pop), Winehouse brought a husky and smoky texture to much of her music. Her full-bodied voice — seamlessly transitioning from soft, tender passages to belted notes — created an emotionally resonant and distinct sound that was unapologetically raw and sincere. Her vulnerability is seemingly at one with the vibrations of her vocal cords.
Marisa Abela of Industry, Cobra, and Rogue Agent will be stepping into the impossible-to-fill shoes, taking on Winehouse’s signature sound in a challenging yet likely-to-be rewarding star turn. Sam Taylor-Johnson (Nowhere Boy, Fifty Shades of Grey) directs with a screenplay by Matt Greenhalgh (Control, Nowhere Boy, Film Stars Don’t Lie in Liverpool).
‘Midas Man’ | 2024; Releaste Date: TBD
Midas Man is an upcoming British biographical film about the life of music entrepreneur Brian Epstein, who managed The Beatles. The film is set to be a dramatic musical with a story and screenplay by Brigit Grant (The Comic Strip Presents). Joe Stephenson directs with Jacob Fortune-Lloyd of Bodies and The Queen’s Gambit starring in the titular role. The movie also stars Ed Speelers, Emily Watson, Eddie Marsan, Eddie Izzard, and Jay Leno as Ed Sullivan.
As for the classic tale, Epstein first met The Beatles during a lunchtime concert at Liverpool’s Cavern Club. Though the man could spot talent, he had zero experience managing artists. Yet, instincts took the man far in life, as he convinced the group to abandon their scruffy image in favor of a polished aesthetic and even scored them a record deal with EMI’s Parlophone label. Virtually within months, The Beatles became, well, The Beatles.
