Practically since his death, rumors abound about a Hollywood movie portraying the life of guitarist Jimi Hendrix. They have come and gone without taking shape. Now, however, news out of Hollywood is that Andre Benjamin, also known as Andre 3000, is set to produce and star in an upcoming feature film about the renowned artist. (Mr. Benjamin is part of the hip-hop duo Outkast.) However, the movie faces a significant hurdle as the estate of the late guitarist is apparently opposed to allowing the producers to use any of Jimi Hendrix’s original music.
The film, “All Is by my Side,” is written and directed by John Ridley, the writer of “Three Kings” and “Red Tails.” Experience Hendrix, LLC, the company that administers the Hendrix estate and music catalog, has stated that it will only allow Hendrix’s music to be used in films that are undertaken with its full participation.
Janie Hedrix, the sister of the late guitarist and the current CEO of Experience Hendrix, has previously stated that though the Hendrix estate wouldn’t rule out a potential Hendrix biopic, it has previously refused to give other would-be biopic producers licensing rights to Hendrix’s music.
Meanwhile, the filmmakers are currently in preproduction in Ireland, and principal photography is expected to begin in less than a month.
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