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It is simple: they will either win praise or incur the wrath of sharp-penned critics. Despite this, many choose to take on icons from the worlds of film, music, or art in general, attempting to bring their lives and careers to the big screen as faithfully as possible.
Take, for example, Back to Black, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, which portrayed the turbulent and troubled life of soul star Amy Winehouse, who died far too young at just 27. At the time, the film was not met with unanimous approval: the actress did not look enough like the icon she portrayed, nor did her voice convince audiences. More recently, Michael, Antoine Fuqua’s film devoted to the life of the King of Pop, received deeply divided and even largely negative reviews from the media, but was warmly embraced by audiences, who remain fascinated by the ways directors bring the lives of celebrities to the screen.
There are currently no fewer than 11 biopics in production or being filmed. Among them is a film about Audrey Hepburn, starring Lily Collins, as well as one about Johnny Hallyday. The difficult task has fallen to Benjamin Voisin, who will portray the youth idol. There are also projects about Ronnie Spector, Louis de Funès, and the Beatles.
11 biopics we cannot wait to see
Audrey Hepburn
Although Audrey Hepburn left an indelible mark on cinema history with her rich and varied filmography, one title inevitably comes to mind whenever the actress is mentioned: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, based on Truman Capote’s celebrated novel. In February 2026, news broke of a biopic devoted to the story behind the making of Blake Edwards’s cult film. And for good reason: Lily Collins had been chosen to portray her lifelong idol. She shared the news in an emotional Instagram post: “After nearly a decade of developing this project and a lifetime of admiring Audrey, I can finally share this news. I’m honoured and overjoyed…” The film’s release date has yet to be announced.
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Louis de Funès
Regarded as the great clown of French cinema, Louis de Funès will soon be the subject of his own biopic, produced by Romain Rojtman. The film will explore the career of the great actor, who possessed a unique talent: the ability to make generations of viewers laugh with his inimitable facial expressions and lines that remain iconic to this day. The story will reportedly be set in 1964, when Louis de Funès, then in his fifties, finally found fame. It was during this period that the actor made a string of major classics, including La Grande Vadrouille and Fantômas, which will soon receive a new screen adaptation directed by Frédéric Tellier. Pierre Lottin has been chosen to play this legend of French cinema, with filming expected to begin in spring 2027.
Courtesy Everett Collection
Johnny Hallyday
“The idea is to make a major biopic about Johnny. We will begin at the end and work our way back through the thread of his incredible life,” producer Hugo Sélignac told Le Parisien in 2024, speaking about the forthcoming Johnny Hallyday biopic. The project is being helmed by Cédric Jimenez, director of the 2025 film Chien 51. Although the lead role was initially entrusted to Raphaël Quenard, who won the 2024 César Award for Most Promising Actor for Chien de la casse, it ultimately went to Benjamin Voisin, who stood out in the film adaptation of Camus’s The Stranger. As for the rest of the cast, Noée Abita appears set to portray Sylvie Vartan, Marie Colomb will play Nanette Workman, while Nina Meurisse will take on the role of Nathalie Baye. The biopic is expected to arrive in cinemas in December 2027.
enri Bureau/Sygma/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images
The Beatles
Not one, not two, not three, but four biopics are set to be released under the title The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event. The films will be directed by Sam Mendes, whose credits include two James Bond instalments, and he has an ambitious project ahead of him: bringing the life and career of each Beatle to the screen. Harris Dickinson will portray John Lennon, Paul Mescal will play Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn will take on the role of George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan will portray Ringo Starr.
Each feature film will intertwine with the others to tell the story of the legendary British band from the perspective of each of its members. It is an unprecedented concept that will allow us to rediscover the Beatles’ rise through four different perspectives. All four films are expected in April 2028.
© Fox Photos/Getty Images
Ronnie Spector
Her signature bouffant, Cleopatra-like cat-eye eyeliner, and irresistible sequinned dresses in the spirit of the 1960s: Ronnie Spector, a member of The Ronettes, which she founded with her older sister Estelle Bennett and their cousin Nedra Talley, will be the subject of her own biopic, produced by A24 and directed by Barry Jenkins. Titled Be My Baby, a direct reference to the girl group’s biggest hit, the film will be loosely based on the memoirs of The Ronettes founder and will star Zendaya, whom Ronnie Spector herself reportedly chose before her death. The film will follow her meteoric rise, as well as her marriage to producer Phil Spector and the singer’s strength in breaking free from his influence. A release date has yet to be announced.
© Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell established herself as one of the icons of American folk music as early as the 1960s, thanks to her intimate lyrics and utterly distinctive guitar-playing style. Her life and career will be brought to the screen by director Cameron Crowe, who met the musician in 1979 while working as a journalist for Rolling Stone. The two became friends over time and collaborated on the screenplay for the biopic, which will tell the story from the artist’s own perspective. The film is expected to be divided into two parts and will trace the star’s fascinating career, from her early days to major success, through her introspective poetry and the challenges she had to face.
© Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Fred Astaire
A legend of Hollywood’s golden age, Fred Astaire remains inextricably linked to the world of musicals and is regarded as one of the genre’s greatest icons. His astonishingly effortless dance steps and dazzling smile will once again be in the spotlight in a biopic directed by Paul King. Tom Holland will take on the leading role and has revealed that he will perform 100 per cent of the choreography himself, without a double. It is a major challenge for the actor, who left dance training behind almost two decades ago after appearing in the musical Billy Elliot. But judging by his 2017 performance on Lip Sync Battle, when he transformed into Rihanna in front of Zendaya, he is very likely to rise to the occasion. The film will focus on Astaire’s early years on Broadway and his exceptionally close relationship with his sister, Adele Astaire. Filming is scheduled for 2027.
Courtesy Everett Collection
Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole will soon be the subject of a new biopic, led by Colman Domingo, who will serve as director, co-writer, and leading man. The actor will transform into the jazz icon, virtuoso pianist, and velvet-voiced crooner. Titled Unforgettable, after one of his biggest hits from 1951, the film will follow the artist’s life and career, from his meteoric rise in Hollywood to the many challenges that shaped his journey. Particular attention will be paid to the racism and injustices Nat King Cole faced, as well as the obstacles he had to overcome to claim his place. His journey would ultimately transform him into one of the most important figures in American music.
Bettmann
Snoop Dogg
The Snoop Dogg biopic, scheduled for release in August 2027, is slowly taking shape. It will be directed by Craig Brewer, who helmed Footloose in 2011, and will star Outer Banks actor Jonathan Daviss as the celebrated American rapper. Titled Snoop, the film will follow the defining moments of his career: from his early days in California and meteoric rise on the West Coast music scene in the early 1990s to his fateful meeting and collaboration with Dr. Dre. It was this journey that transformed Snoop Dogg into a hip-hop icon.
Scott Gries
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe would have turned 100 this year. To mark the symbolic anniversary, the Venice Film Festival will host Flesh Impact, a short film directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and devoted to the icon whose myth continues to fascinate. Dakota Johnson will play the leading role, while 93-year-old Ellen Burstyn will portray an older version of the star. The title Flesh Impact refers to a phrase once used to describe Marilyn Monroe’s distinctive aura: “She seemed so real and radiant that audiences felt they could reach through the screen and touch her,” Alberto Barbera, artistic director of the Venice Film Festival, explained in an official statement.
Collection Cinema / Photo12 / AFP
Britney Spears
Announced in 2024, this biopic is undoubtedly one of the most eagerly anticipated among the Y2K generation. Inspired by Britney Spears’s memoir The Woman in Me, the film, directed by Jon M. Chu, will follow the defining moments of the pop star’s career, from her meteoric breakthrough and infectious 1990s hits to the media pressure that followed her for years.
The film will also address her descent into difficult personal circumstances, the conservatorship that deprived her of her freedom for 13 years, and the long battle she fought to free herself from it. Although the project is already generating considerable interest, both the cast and the release date remain shrouded in mystery.
Kevin Kane