Ridley Scott has revealed new details about his highly anticipated Bee Gees biopic, including the filming schedule and the thematic direction of the film. The biopic will chronicle the real-life journey of brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb and their rise to stardom during the disco era of the 1970s. While Scott had been in talks with Paramount Studios about the project last year, a budget dispute with the studio led to the film being put on hold, and it was announced earlier this year that Scott’s next project wouldn’t be the Bee Gees biopic.
In a recent interview with Collider, Scott confirmed that production for the movie is expected to begin in November. He also addressed the dispute with Paramount, assuring that it would not affect the project long-term. Regarding the storyline, Scott emphasized that the core of the film will focus on the close relationship between the Gibb brothers. He explained:
“It’s really about the brothers and how close they were as a gifted family. They’re really very much a family. I think Barry was very much the leader of them, but Robin also had the voice initially and was a very good writer. They were a fulfilled team. It is lovely to see this drawn out from scratch. We’ll go from eight years old to the end.”
Scott’s comments suggest that his approach to the Bee Gees biopic will be different from typical music biopics. While many films about musicians focus on their rise to fame and the personal struggles that come with it, Scott plans to delve deeper into the brothers’ familial bond and creative collaboration. The biopic will take viewers through the entirety of their journey, from childhood to the end of their careers, showcasing their creative unity and brotherhood rather than just their fame.
The Bee Gees are iconic for creating some of the most memorable tracks of the disco era, including “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” and “You Should Be Dancing.” Despite the fame and success, Scott seems more interested in exploring the human side of the brothers’ story. The film will examine their relationships, highlighting their roles within the family and as collaborators.
With production set to begin in just a few months, casting details may be announced soon. Scott teased that he already has some names in mind for the roles of the Gibb brothers, although he has yet to reveal who they are. Fans can expect to hear about the cast in the near future.
Scott’s venture into the music biopic genre will be a new challenge, as he has previously worked across a variety of genres, from historical dramas like Gladiator and Napoleon to sci-fi blockbusters. However, Scott has always been cautious about delving into music biopics due to the complexities of portraying a person’s life while ensuring historical accuracy. Given his track record for meticulous attention to detail, it seems that Scott will take great care in telling the Bee Gees’ story authentically.
The film will be executive produced by Barry Gibb, the only surviving member of the Bee Gees trio, with Ridley Scott also serving as a producer. With Scott at the helm, the movie is expected to take a unique and refreshing approach to the music biopic genre, exploring the deeper emotional bonds between the brothers and their shared journey rather than focusing solely on the challenges of fame. This perspective sets the Bee Gees biopic apart from other films in the genre, offering a more human and familial narrative.