Bon Jovi biopic in development at Universal Pictures

A feature film based on the iconic rock band Bon Jovi is currently in development at Universal Pictures.

The studio secured the project following a competitive bidding process and will back the upcoming biopic centred on the band known for hits such as “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name”, and “It’s My Life”. The screenplay is being written by Cody Brotter, who also penned the forthcoming thriller Killing Satoshi, starring Pete Davidson and Casey Affleck. 

A director has not yet been attached to the project, and casting decisions for the band members have also not been announced.

Formed in 1983, Bon Jovi originally included vocalist Jon Bon Jovi, keyboardist David Bryan and drummer Tico Torres, who remain part of the group. Former members include guitarist Richie Sambora, who left the band in 2013, and bassist Alec John Such, who departed in 1994 and died in 2022.

The band has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. It remains unclear which period of the band’s history the film will focus on, or whether it will centre on a specific moment or present a broader narrative.

The project will be produced by Kevin J Walsh and Gotham Chopra of Religion of Sports, while Jacqueline Garell will oversee development for Universal Pictures.

Music biopics have enjoyed significant box-office success in recent years with films such as “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Elvis” and “Bob Marley: One Love”. However, not all such projects have performed well, with titles including “Back to Black” receiving a weaker response.

Several music-based films are also in development, including “Michael”, which is expected to release next year. Meanwhile, filmmaker Sam Mendes is working on four interconnected films about The Beatles.