Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Songs by Prince to be developed into original film musical

A number of songs by the late musical icon will reportedly be used to drive a fictional narrative inspired by the lyrics

Roisin O'Connor
Music Correspondent
Tuesday 04 December 2018 03:45 EST
Comments
Prince
Prince (Warner Bros/Kobal/Rex/Shutterstock)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Classic songs from Prince's catalogue are being developed into an original film musical inspired by his work, according to a new report.

Variety reports that Universal Pictures has acquired the rights to a number of songs by Prince, and will use them to drive a fictional narrative inspired by the lyrics. The production company has previously enjoyed success with musically-inspired of themed films including Pitch Perfect and Mamma Mia!, as well as musicals such as Les Miserables.

Next year, the studio is slated to release Last Christmas, which will feature the music of George Michael, and a hugely anticipated film adaptation of Cats, which features an all-star cast including Jennifer Hudson, Taylor Swift, Ian McKellen and James Corden.

Sources close to the Prince project said the film is not a biopic, but rather an original story, as the estate and Universal want to avoid producing anything that would draw comparisons to Prince's 1984 film Purple Rain.

Troy Carter, entertainment advisor for Prince's estate, will reportedly executive produce with Jody Gerson, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group.

Earlier this year, a new album featuring previously unreleased recordings of Prince performing solo at his piano in 1983 was released. Piano & a Microphone is a nine track record that offers an intimate look at the late musical genius, as he performs songs such as "Purple Rain", "International Lover", and a cover of Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You".

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in