David Bowie fans now have their first glimpse of the forthcoming Bowie biopic, Stardust. The first picture of lead actor Johnny Flynn (Lovesick) as the pop chameleon has been released. You can take a look at the Paul Van Carter photo below.
Stardust is set to explore 24-year-old Bowie and his transformation into the inimitable Ziggy Stardust. Jenna Malone (Donnie Darko) will join Flynn as Bowie’s first wife, Angie Jones and Marc Maron (GLOW) will portray Bowie’s publicist.
The film is directed by Gabriel Range (I Am Slave).
Bowie’s son, filmmaker Duncan Jones, has slated the forthcoming biopic, stating that the film does not have the family’s blessing.
He also disputes a report that the film will feature Bowie performances. “If you want to see a biopic without his music or the family’s blessing, that’s up to the audience,” he tweeted.
The producers of the film have offered a statement, clarifying that the film is not intended to be a biopic, rather a story.
“We would like to clarify that this film is not a biopic, it is a moment in time film at a turning point in David’s life, and is not reliant on Bowie’s music.” They shared, “The film was written as an ‘origins story’ about the beginning of David’s journey as he invented his Ziggy Stardust character, and focuses on the character study of the artist, as opposed to a hits driven ‘music’ biopic.”
The production of Stardust began in June. There has been no word as to when we can expect the film’s release.
In related news, Barbie recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Ziggy Stardust by releasing a limited-edition commemorative Barbie. The doll pays homage to Bowie’s eternally-iconic Ziggy Stardust character — sporting the signature sparkly space suit, platform boots and painted nails. You can read more about it now.
Watch: David Bowie – ‘China Girl’
