Bon Jovi’s New Film Coming to Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures to Produce Bon Jovi Biopic
Universal Pictures is set to create a biopic capturing the early years of the iconic rock band Bon Jovi. Hailing from humble beginnings in New Jersey, the band has sold over 130 million albums and earned a place in both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The project, which drew interest from multiple studios, has now found its home at Universal.
Known for its success with music-themed films such as Straight Outta Compton and 8 Mile, the studio has secured a deal that includes full participation from lead singer Jon Bon Jovi and access to the band’s extensive music library.
Cody Brotter has been selected to write the screenplay. Brotter gained recognition with his Black List script Drudge, detailing the rise of online political journalist Matt Drudge. His recent works include a rewrite of the crypto thriller Killing Satoshi and a music-focused biopic for Mike Judge. His previously produced scripts feature The Dukes of Oxy for MGM, Ron Ziegler for Amy Pascal, and Chasing Phil for Team Downey.
The film will be produced by Kevin J. Walsh, known for The Instigators and Manchester By The Sea, alongside Gotham Chopra, who produced Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story. Chopra directed the 2024 Hulu documentary series on the band, giving him unique insights as he collaborates on the biopic.
The narrative will primarily focus on Bon Jovi’s formative years and the pivotal moments that propelled the band to global fame.
Jon Bongiovi’s journey into music began under the influence of his Beatles-enthusiast mother. Frustrated by early struggles with the guitar, he once tossed the instrument down the basement stairs, rendering it broken. His perspective shifted in his teens after witnessing Bruce Springsteen perform, inspiring him to recommit to his musical aspirations. Bongiovi repaired his guitar and began honing his craft, moving from performing covers to writing original songs.
Working as a gofer at his cousin’s Power Station studio in Manhattan, he learned the ins and outs of the music industry while watching renowned artists record. It was there that he produced his first songs, including the future hit Runaway. Despite facing numerous rejections from record labels, Bon Jovi ingeniously targeted rock station DJs, which eventually led to Runaway gaining traction at WAPP and beyond.
Adopting the stage name Jon Bon Jovi, he quickly assembled a group of talented local musicians, including keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, and bassist Alec John Such. The final piece of the puzzle was Richie Sambora, whose collaboration in songwriting and duets proved invaluable. Under the guidance of their manager, Doc McGhee, the band set out to define their sound.
Their journey was not without challenges, as they learned the intricacies of touring and preparation. Bon Jovi emerged as a heartthrob frontman, even while maintaining a relationship with his high school sweetheart, Dorothea, whom he married in 1989.
The film will explore the band’s rise to prominence with their third album, Slippery When Wet, featuring chart-topping anthems like Livin’ On A Prayer and You Give Love A Bad Name. The album’s 30 million copies sold solidified Bon Jovi as a touring powerhouse, although the immense pressure took a toll on Bon Jovi’s vocal abilities, necessitating subsequent surgery.
As the film progresses, it will delve into Bon Jovi’s struggles with vocal cord issues, chronicling his journey to restore his singing prowess.
Brotter is represented by CAA, Management, and Ziffren Brittenham, while Walsh is represented by WME and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole, and Chopra by WME and Gang Tyre Ramer & Brown.
