Bon Jovi Biopic Set for Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures has secured the rights to a biopic focusing on the early years of Bon Jovi, the iconic rock band that has sold over 130 million albums and earned inductions into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The project, which has been the subject of a bidding war among multiple studios, will trace the band’s rise from its New Jersey roots to global superstardom.

Early Years to Be the Focus

The film will concentrate on the formative years of Bon Jovi, detailing the band’s journey to filling stadiums worldwide. Cody Brotter, known for his work on scripts like Drudge and Killing Satoshi, has been tapped to write the screenplay. Deadline first reported the news.

Key Players Behind the Scenes

The biopic will be produced by Kevin J. Walsh (The Instigators, Manchester By the Sea) and Gotham Chopra, whose Religion of Sports produced the 2024 Hulu documentary series Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story. The Guardian notes Chopra directed all four episodes of the documentary, which provided full access to the band members during their 40th-anniversary year.

Jon Bon Jovi’s Involvement

The project has the participation of Jon Bon Jovi himself and Universal will have access to the band’s extensive music library. Jon Bon Jovi, born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, began playing music after receiving an electric guitar at age 13. He previously worked as an assistant at the Power Station recording studio in New York, where he encountered music legends like Mick Jagger and Diana Ross. The Guardian reported on his early aspirations to become a rock star.

Recent Momentum

The announcement follows the release of Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, a four-part documentary that explored the band’s history, including both its successes and challenges, such as member addiction issues and Jon Bon Jovi’s vocal surgery. Variety highlights the popularity of music-centric biopics, citing successes like Bohemian Rhapsody, Elvis, and Bob Marley: One Love.

Production Details

Jacqueline Garell of Universal Pictures will oversee the project. Casting announcements are still forthcoming, including who will portray the band members, such as founding members Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan, and Tico Torres, as well as former members Richie Sambora and Alec John Such. Variety notes that the film’s scope – whether it will focus on a single event or provide a broader overview of the band’s history – remains to be determined.