Bee Gees biopic ‘in progress with Kenneth Branagh cast as Paramount director’
The Bee Gees’ illustrious career will be revived in a new biopic, directed by Kenneth Branagh.
According to reports on Thursday, Paramount Pictures’ production will follow the journey of brothers Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb, as they shoot from their humble beginnings into the stratosphere of disco stardom.
Ben Elton must write the biopic, The Hollywood Reporter revealed, and the last surviving member of the band, Barry, 74, will serve as producer and narrator.
Ready for the big screen: The illustrious career of The Bee Gees, is set to be revived through a new biographical film, directed by Kenneth Branagh, according to reports on Thursday (photo in 1977)
Graham King of GK Films will co-produce the currently untitled film, in addition to Steven Spielberg’s company, Amblin Entertainment, which financed approximately 25 percent of the film.
Elisabeth Murdoch, Stacey Snider and Jane Featherstone’s SISTER company are also on board to produce, marking the company’s first film project.
Bee Gees star Barry recently contributed to the HBO documentary How Can You Mend A Broken Heart, which explores the history of the Gibb brothers.
Elsewhere, Kenneth, 60, directed a drama series called Belfast, which is currently in post-production.
Back in business: Paramount Pictures’ production will follow the travels of brothers Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb under the direction of Kenneth, 60 (photo)
On board: Ben Elton is ready to write the biopic, revealed The Hollywood Reporter, and the last surviving band member Barry, 74, (photographed in 2014) will serve as producer and narrator
He also recorded a long list of accomplishments as an actor, having starred in Thor, Murder On The Orient Express, Dunkirk and Tenet. Kenneth won three BAFTAs and two Emmy awards.
MailOnline contacted representatives from Bee Gees and Kenneth Branagh for comments.
The Isle of Man-born musical trio hit the charts after moving to Australia with their single Spicks and Specks, before moving to England in 1967.
The brothers’ career turning point came with the agreement to create the soundtrack for the film Saturday Night Fever, in 1977.
Support: Graham King of GK Films will co-produce the currently untitled film, in addition to Steven Spielberg’s company (pictured) Amblin Entertainment, which funded approximately 25 percent of the film
Where it all started: the musical trio born on the Isle of Mann achieved chart success after moving to Australia with their single Spicks and Specks, before moving to England in 1967
The film and its soundtrack have long been credited with reviving the disc’s then-weakened craze.
Bee Gees have sold more than 220 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music groups of all time.
Maurice died in 2003 at the age of 53 due to complications from a twisted intestine. Robin died in 2012 at the age of 62, after a battle with bowel cancer.
They also had a younger brother, Andy, who died of heart inflammation at age 30.
Andy was never a member of the top chart, but he was successful in the late 70s with a solo career.
Brothers: They also had a younger brother, Andy (pictured right), who died of heart inflammation at the age of 30, but was successful in the late 70s with a solo career