Seven years after collaborating on The Wolf of Wall Street, Jonah Hill and Martin Scorsese will unite for another biopic, with Hill as the Grateful Dead’s lead guitarist Jerry Garcia.
A well-known music lover, Martin Scorsese is a legendary filmmaker. And he has released at least 8 Biographical films in his career. Unlike many in the genre, Scorsese shows a “warts and all” approach to whichever figure he is showcasing. The two first worked together on Scorsese’s biopic, The Wolf of Wall Street. Jonah Hill co-starred as supporting protagonist Donnie Azoff. Hill took the role on a minimum pay cut of $60000 for the chance to work with Scorsese.
The still-untitled film is part of a “first look” streaming service deal Scorsese has made with Apple TV. The first look deal will allow Apple first pick on any Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions future projects. Scorsese has previously directed many musician-focused documentaries. These include the Rolling Stones film Shine a Light, Bob Dylan’s No Way Home and Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: The Road To Memphis.
He was also heavily involved in 2016’s music-focused period drama Vinyl. Jonah Hill is set to not just star but also produce the project as well. Screenwriters for the Project are Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski. The two created the screenplays for American Crime Story: The People vs OJ Simpson and Man on the Moon, an Andy Kaufman Biopic.
The Man Himself
Jerry Garcia was the leading guitarist, main songwriter and vocalist for the Grateful Dead. He founded the band in 1965, with 4 others. Remembered for his ability to improvise long songs and solos, Garcia died of a heart attack in 1995. The remaining members of the band will also produce the film. Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann renamed the band as Dead & Company in 2015. fans well regard the Grateful Dead for their kindness to their base. Not just allowing fans to film their concerts, but even keeping a ‘tapers section’ just for recorders.
Credit: Rolling Stone
The film is yet to be titled, or have a confirmed release date.
Subscribe to FIB’s Weekly Alchemy Report for your weekly dose of music, fashion and pop culture news!