Bon Jovi Biopic in the Works

A new “definitive” biopic from Universal Pictures will explore the early years of rock band Bon Jovi, Deadline reported.

The film will follow the band from their start playing small clubs in Sayreville, New Jersey, in 1983 to becoming one of the biggest bands on the ’80s with the 1986 release of breakout album Slippery When Wet, their third album.

Universal acquired the rights to the movie after winning a bidding war against other studios, which includes access to Bon Jovi’s music catalogue and full participation from frontman Jon Bon Jovi. The movie is still early in the development process and does not have a title, and a director and cast members have not been announced. It will be written by Cody Brotter, known for writing The Black List, and produced by Kevin J. Walsh and Gotham Chopra, who directed the four-part Hulu documentary Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, released in 2024 to coincide with the band’s 50th anniversary.

Although Jon Bon Jovi indicated last year that he’d love to see a biopic of his life “at some point,” neither the band nor the studio has commented on the announcement.

Bon Jovi is best known for hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “It’s My Life,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.” The band has sold over 130 million albums worldwide and were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, followed by an induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. The current lineup consists of Jon Bon Jovi, David Bryan, Tico Torres, Hugh McDonald, Phil X, John Shanks, and Evertt Bradley. Original lead guitarist Dave Sabo was replaced by Richie Sambora, who eventually left the band in 2013. The band will be playing nine shows at Madison Square Garden this summer.

The film is the latest in a string of biopics delving into the lives of beloved musicians. Universal Studios is also working on a movie about the life of superstar Michael Jackson, and their previous releases include N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton and Eminem’s 8 Mile.