Shailene Woodley to star in Janis Joplin biopic

Shailene Woodley, known for her most recent role in the police mystery film To Catch a Killer and HBO's Big Little Lies, is set to portray the icon of rock and blues, Janis Joplin in an upcoming biopic. The project, which will begin production spring 2025, according to Deadline, will explore into the life and music of the legendary singer-songwriter. Joplin, a leading figure of the counterculture movement and a hippie icon of the 1960s, is globally famous for her powerful vocals and raw, emotional performances. Her songs, such as "Piece of My Heart," "Me and Bobby McGee," and "Mercedes Benz," continue to resonate with audiences today. Also, critics consider her one of the best and most influential artists of all time, and the first female rock and roll star as her albums are among the best-selling in the music industry.

The rock star's life has been a frequent target for filmmakers, but no project has materialized. Shailene Woodley is taking on the dual role of actor and producer, and the film will have a 30-day shoot with a budget of approximately $10 million in qualified expenditures. Aditionally, Shailene Woodley is starring in a Janis Joplin herself in biopic, which has received a $2.5 million grant from the California Film Commission.

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Moreover, Shailene Woodley's latests credits include executive production for the film Last Letters from your Lover alongside her co-star Felicity Jones. Augustine Frizzell was the director. She then took on the lead role on To Catch a Killer, a thriller where she plays a police officer helping the FBI catch a serial killer. Woodley also produced this film. In 2023, she starred in the sci-fi film Robots with Jack Whitehall.