Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Feb 8, 2025
Table of Contents
The Revival of Music Biopics
The biopic genre has made a striking comeback, gripping audiences with the stories of music legends who defined cultural history. From the awe-inspiring ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (2018) to the spectacular ‘Rocketman’ (2019), these films have shown over and over again the enduring allure of Cinema’s ability to blend storytelling with the universal language of music. Now, with Timothée Chalamet portraying Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s ‘A Complete Unknown’ (2024), the revival continues. Adding to the excitement is a series of Beatles biopics, set to transform the genre and bring back audience love for music legends in theaters.
Notably, Angelina Jolie’s ‘Maria’, a biopic focusing on the legendary soprano singer Maria Callas, is adding a new layer to the resurgence of music biopics. The film explores Callas’ loss of identity and her struggle to navigate professional and personal challenges in the spotlight. This project is expected to be another must-watch for fans of music history and biographical storytelling.
Music biopics have achieved unprecedented success in recent years, connecting with audiences worldwide on a deeply emotional level. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ grossed over $900 million globally, with Rami Malek’s powerful depiction of Freddie Mercury earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. The film’s ability to blend Queen’s iconic music with an exploration of Mercury’s personal struggles created a cinematic experience that resonated with fans and newcomers alike.
Similarly, ‘Rocketman’ (2019) brought Elton John’s story to life in an imaginative and bold way. Taron Egerton’s depiction captured both the larger-than-life personality and the raw humanity of Elton John, earning praise for its crafted storytelling style and emotional depth. These films didn’t just showcase the artists’ careers—they went into the depths of their triumphs, struggles, and personal stories, leaving a permanent footprint in cinematic history.
In addition to box office success, these films proved that music biopics have the power to reach beyond just music fans. They touch on universal themes of identity, fame, addiction, love, and the resilience of human spirit, making them deeply relatable for audiences from all walks of life. As this genre continues to evolve, it paves the way for even more ambitious projects that blend history, music, and personal narrative into films that move us.
Timothée Chalamet, one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, takes on the role of the iconic Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s ‘A Complete Unknown.’ The film focuses on Dylan’s meteoric rise during the folk music revolution of the 1960s, zeroing in on his early years as an artist navigating reinvention and fame.
Known for his ability to convey vulnerability and complexity in roles like ‘Call Me By Your Name’ and ‘Dune,’ Chalamet brings his authenticity to Dylan’s enigmatic persona. His performance captures Dylan’s artistic genius alongside with the profound impact he left on the music industry and the cultural movements of his time. Chalamet’s portrayal ensures that audiences see Dylan as more than just a legend; he becomes a fully realized character navigating a transformative era in history.
What sets ‘A Complete Unknown’ apart from previous music biopics is its focus on the artistic transformation of Dylan. It doesn’t merely present the well-known rise to fame but explores the internal conflict, the creative pressures, and the impact of his music on societal movements. This deeper dive into Dylan’s psyche makes the film stand out, offering a fresh perspective on one of music’s most elusive figures.
Few bands have had as much cultural impact as The Beatles, and Hollywood is now taking a bold step forward by creating individual biopics for each member: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
This ambitious project aims to go beyond their collective fame, offering an intimate look at their personal lives and artistic journeys. By exploring the unique challenges and perspectives faced by each member, the films strive to give audiences a deeper understanding of how these individuals came together to shape music history.
The series is expected to be groundbreaking, showcasing how The Beatles not only defined an era but also influenced generations of artists to come. Fans can look forward to seeing both the humanity and brilliance behind the legendary band. As each member has had a distinct impact on the musical landscape, exploring their personal lives will offer insights into the forces that defined their collective legacy.
The revival of music biopics doesn’t stop with Bob Dylan and The Beatles. Several other highly anticipated projects are on the horizon, each offering its own look into the lives of iconic musicians:
‘Michael’ (October 3, 2025): Directed by Antoine Fuqua, this biopic explores the life of Michael Jackson, with his nephew Jaafar Jackson portraying the iconic singer.
‘Sly Lives!’ (2025): Directed by Questlove, this documentary delves into the life and career of Sly Stone, highlighting his revolutionary impact on music and the challenges he faced.
‘Back to Black’ (TBA): A project focusing on Amy Winehouse’s life, providing an intimate exploration of her journey and legacy.
‘Fred & Ginger’ (TBA): Starring Jamie Bell and Margaret Qualley, this film explores the legendary partnership between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers during Hollywood’s Golden Age.
‘Marianne Faithfull’ (TBA): Lucy Boynton stars as Marianne Faithfull in a biopic that delves into her rise in the 1960s music scene and her tumultuous relationship with Mick Jagger.
Jeremy Allen White and Bruce Springsteen (TBA): Details are still in the early stages, but Jermey Allen White is set to portray Bruce Springsyeen in new upcoming biopic movie
Tom Holland’s Fred Astaire Biopic (TBA): Currently in pre-production, this highly anticipated film will explore the life of Fred Astaire.
Shailene Woodley as Janis Joplin (TBD): Shailene Woodley takes on the role of Janis Joplin, with the project still awaiting a release date.
These films represent a diverse range of stories, celebrating the legacies of these artists while introducing their music and soul to new generations.
Worth the Watch
The resurgence of music biopics marks an exciting chapter in modern Cinema. By showcasing the lives of legendary artists, these films provide audiences with a unique blend of discovery and nostalgia, celebrating the power of music to bring us together.
With the upcoming Beatles biopics and other music-inspired films on the horizon, the genre is bound to reach new heights. These stories remind us not only of the undeniable talents of these icons but also of their humanity, making their legacies timeless.
As this genre continues to evolve, there is no doubt that these biopics will leave a lasting impact. Audiences are craving more than just factual recounts—they’re looking for emotional journeys, nuanced character studies, and deep dives into the lives of the artists who shaped the world. This resurgence is more than just a trend; it’s a celebration of the human experience through music.
Final Thoughts
As the biopic genre continues to thrive, it’s clear that audiences have an enduring fascination with the lives behind the music. Films like ‘A Complete Unknown’ and the upcoming Beatles projects prove that these stories are more than just entertainment—they’re a celebration of the artists who shaped our world.
Timothee Chalemot is next to be seen in ‘Dune: Part Three’, still in the early stages of development. Meanwhile, The Beatles biopics are currently in pre-production, with release dates yet to be announced.
With their ability to resonate across generations, music biopics remind us why these legends continue to inspire, one song and one story at a time.
By Emma Gladstone,
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Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
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