A new biopic about the late rock-singer Janis Joplin (1943-1970), who died tragically from a heroin overdose at the age of 27, will star Emmy-winning ‘Big Little Lies’ actress Shailene Woodley.
The film has a budget of $10 million, receiving funding from The California Film Commission’s Film and Television Tax Programme to the sum of $2.5 million and filming will take place in California over 30 days. Although a Texas native, Joplin spent significant time in San Francisco after 1963. Shailene Woodley, who will also produce the film alongside Temple Hill Entertainment, said in a press release on Tuesday:
“California meant so much to Janis Joplin — from the stoops of San Francisco to the wooden walls of Sunset Sound, the state became the stage upon which she explored not just the world of music, but the world of her vibrant humanity,”
It’s not the first time someone has tried to portray Joplin’s life and legacy on film, but it’s set to be the first to materialise. In 2010, Amy Adams was slated to play Joplin in Janis: Get It While You Can. Before that, Zooey Deschanel was to take on the role for The Gospel According to Janis, later replaced by the singer Pink. There was also 2004’s Piece of My Heart starring Renee Zellweger. None of the films ever came to fruition. The only significant Joplin-inspired film released to date is 1979’s The Rose, starring Bette Midler.
Neither a title nor a release date for the biopic has been confirmed.
