Exciting news for music and film enthusiasts as acclaimed director David O. Russell is set to direct the upcoming Linda Ronstadt biopic, featuring none other than Selena Gomez in the lead role. The project, currently in pre-production, is garnering attention for its promising combination of Russell's directorial prowess and Gomez's multifaceted talent.
James Keach, producer of the 2019 documentary 'Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice,' joins forces with Ronstadt's manager, John Boylan, to bring this musical journey to life. Gomez teased her involvement in the biopic earlier in the week, sharing a snapshot of Ronstadt's 2013 memoir, 'Simple Dreams,' on her Instagram story. While Gomez's participation is confirmed, additional casting details are yet to be revealed.
Linda Ronstadt, celebrated as a country, rock 'n' roll, and Latin music legend, left an indelible mark on the industry with iconic albums like 'Heart Like a Wheel' and 'Simple Dreams' during the 1970s. Boasting an impressive career, Ronstadt released 29 studio albums, earned 11 Grammys, and received Lifetime Achievement Awards from both the Recording Academy and the Latin Recording Academy. In 2014, she was rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Russell, an Oscar-nominated director and writer, is renowned for his critically acclaimed films, including 'Three Kings' (1999), 'The Fighter' (2010), 'Silver Linings Playbook' (2012), and 'American Hustle' (2013). His recent feature, the 2022 mystery comedy 'Amsterdam,' showcased his ability to assemble stellar casts, including Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington. In addition to the Ronstadt biopic, Russell is simultaneously working on 'Super Toys,' with Keke Palmer and Sacha Baron Cohen attached to star.
While Ronstadt's story has been previously chronicled in the 2019 documentary, directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, the upcoming biopic under Russell's guidance is anticipated to delve deeper into the artist's illustrious career and personal narrative. Notably, in 2011, Ronstadt announced her retirement, later revealing her inability to sing due to progressive supranuclear palsy.
As David O. Russell embarks on the directorial journey of bringing Linda Ronstadt's life to the big screen, with Selena Gomez embodying the legendary artist, expectations are high for a harmonious blend of cinematic excellence and a celebration of Ronstadt's enduring musical legacy. Showbiz 411 was the first to report the news, setting the stage for an eagerly awaited biopic that promises to strike a chord with audiences worldwide.