After years of rumors and reported negotiations, André 3000 will take on the role of Jimi Hendrix in a new biopic. The OutKast rapper-actor is said to be shooting in Ireland this week as reported by The Irish Film and Television network. Titled All Is By My Side, the film will document Hendrix’s period in England between 1966 and 1967 as he created his debut album. Directed by John Ridley, who is best known as the writer of Three Kings and U-Turn, the project is currently in pre-production.
Just last year, Hendrix’s estate, Experience Hendrix, lashed out at reports of the biopic saying that no copyrighted material from the icon can be used without their permission. Furthermore, the estate claimed that they were already working on completing documentary footage. Experience Hendrix and Ridley obviously came to an agreement, however, and are said to be filming with André 3000 as planned.
Three stacks is known for his bizarre ensembles and penchant for English style. The creator of the sophisticated Benjamin Bixby clothing line previously described his clothes as a “little bit Benjamin Button, a tinge of Willy Wonka, with a touch of collegiate footballer thrown in for good measure.” His style along with admiration for Hendrix are said to have played pivotal parts in his casting.
While André 3000 takes on the role of the guitarist, a number of other celebs have been cast in biopics, including Alicia Keys who’s rumored to be playing Lena Horne. Click here to check out a list of other well cast biopics.
Do you think 3 Stacks can do Jimmy Hendrix justice?
Check out a gallery of some of his most eclectic looks below. –danielle canada
