(Left) Selena Gomez as Mabel on Hulu’s ‘Only Murders In The Building.’ Photo: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu. (Right) Linda Ronstadt in the documentary ‘Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice.’ Photo: Greenwich Entertainment.
Preview:
- Selena Gomez in playing Linda Ronstadt in a new film.
- David O. Russell is aboard to direct.
- Ronstadt retired from singing in 2012 after a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
While the genre is an evergreen one, there have been a number of musical biopics in recent years that saw mixed fortunes. While ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (about Freddie Mercury and Queen) scored an Oscar and box office success, others have been met with more muted responses (‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ among them).
But the trend shows no sign of slowing; we have an Amy Winehouse movie (‘Back to Black’) and ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ both on the way.
Add to that number the idea that Selena Gomez will play a young Linda Ronstadt in a new movie.
Who is Linda Ronstadt?
Linda Ronstadt in the documentary ‘Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice.’ Photo: Greenwich Entertainment.
In case you’re somehow not aware of her, Ronstadt was the pre-eminent female pop star of the 1970s into the 80s. She took control of her career and her life, having dozens of hits while dating the likes of George Lucas and California governor Jerry Brown. She was supported by The Eagles, who played behind her, toured with Jackson Browne, and sung on Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold.”
In the 80s, Ronstadt and appeared to acclaim on Broadway opposite Kevin Kline in ‘The Pirates of Penzance’, formed a trio with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris and had a major hit with Aaron Neville. She retired from singing in 2012 following a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
It’s not known what part of Ronstadt’s life and career will be covered, but Gomez’ casting suggests her younger days.
Related Article: Naomi Ackie Talks ‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody’
What’s happening with the Linda Ronstadt movie?
Selena Gomez as Mabel on Hulu’s ‘Only Murders In The Building.’ Photo: Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu.
Last year, Showbiz 411 reported that singer Gomez, who has found acting acclaim with ‘Only Murders in the Building’ would be playing 1970s and 1980s music icon Ronstadt in a new movie.
James Keach, who produced the award winning documentary, ‘The Sound of My Voice,’ about Ronstadt, has a script together and has officially landed Gomez’ services to star.
David O. Russell boards the Ronstadt film
Linda Ronstadt in the documentary ‘Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice.’ Photo: Greenwich Entertainment.
Things have moved on since then and now, once again reported by Showbiz 411, David O. Russell is aboard to direct the film.
Russell, of course, is the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind the likes of ‘Silver Linings Playbook’, and ‘American Hustle’ who last made flop comedy ‘Amsterdam’ (which featured an acting gig by Gomez’ friend and musical superstar Taylor Swift).
He’s also been wreathed in controversy for outbursts on sets and rumors of bad behavior in his personal life, so he seems like a surprising choice to work with Gomez.
When will the Ronstadt movie hit theaters?
There are no release date details for the movie, which is still in development –– it’s likely Russell might want to work on the script himself or bring in another writer, and it’ll all depend on Gomez’ schedule. She has another season of ‘Only Murders’ to shoot and while she’s looking to focus on acting rather than singing now, she has said she wants to make one more album.
(L to R) Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift at the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards, airing live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Todd Williamson/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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