FEATURE:
Karma Chameleon
Looking Ahead to the Boy George Biopic
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I do like a good music biopic…
and one I am surprised hasn’t happened before concerns Boy George. The Culture Club lead is a legendary songwriter and singer. To me, he is an inspiring figure and someone who commands a huge amount of respect. From his iconic looks and soulful voice, there is a lot to focus on when it comes to a biopic. I am not aware of his background and upbringings so, when news broke earlier this week that Boy George (George O’Dowd) is looking for an actor to play him, it pricked my ears:
“The film will share the story of Boy George’s beginnings in an Irish working-class family through to his rise to stardom in the 1980s with Culture Club alongside original members Jon Moss, Roy Hay and Mikey Craig.
As for casting, the singer also said Danny Mays (1917, Line Of Duty) would play his father – and also teased that “there are rumours of Keanu Reeves popping in”.
Boy George also said that they were looking to cast an actor to play him. “We’re looking for a brave young actor anywhere in the globe to take on the role of his life, and it will be brilliant,” he said. “I wanna be impressed! So see you on set this summer”.
Boy George turns sixty in June. I am a bit too young to remember the earliest Culture Club material. Their huge single, Karma Chameleon, came out in the U.K. on 5th September, 1983 (four months after I was born). I really love the band’s second album, Colour by Numbers. Arriving a year after their acclaimed debut, Kissing to Be Clever, I think that Colour by Numbers is one of the best albums of the 1980s. I think that the band at that time - Boy George – lead and backing vocals, Roy Hay – guitars, piano, electric sitar and backing vocals, Mike Craig – bass guitar and backing vocals, Jon Moss – drums and backing vocals – are so harmonious and wonderful together. To me, Boy George’s charisma, incredible vocals and style is the hallmark and standout of the band.
Hey! pic.twitter.com/5JVyggaFiK
— Boy George (the truth is in your breath) (@BoyGeorge) April 20, 2021
I am looking forward to the biopic and what angles it approaches. This article from Deadline provides some details and locations for a biopic that is shaping up to be fascinating and a must-watch:
“EXCLUSIVE: The Boy George movie biopic, which is to be called Karma Chameleon, has moved from MGM to Millennium Media and is eyeing a summer 2021 start in London and Bulgaria, we can reveal.
In a new video that we can debut on Deadline, the Culture Club frontman says a casting search is underway for the actor to play him. The singer also teases the casting of 1917 and Line Of Duty actor Danny Mays in the role of his father and claims “there are rumours of Keanu Reeves popping in.” The production declined to confirm either actor’s involvement.
As previously announced, the project is written and will be directed by Hitchcock and Anvil: The Story of Anvil director Sacha Gervasi, and it will be produced by Kevin King Templeton (Creed I & II) and Paul Kemsley. George and Jessica de Rothschild will executive produce. Newly aboard is casting director Kate Ringsell (Wonder Woman).
The film will explore George’s humble beginnings in an Irish working-class family, through his rise to the top of the international charts with the ’80s band Culture Club alongside original band members Jon Moss, Roy Hay, and Mikey Craig.
The larger-than-life singer rose to fame during the New Romantic era of pop in London, aided and dressed by Malcolm McLaren. Culture Club sold more than 100 million singles and 50 million albums, and is well known for hits including “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” and “Karma Chameleon.” George became famous for his sense of style and androgyny, but there have also been bumps along the way, including substance addiction, arrest for drug possession and a four-month stint in prison for the assault of a male escort.
The production tells us the musical drama will have full access to the singer’s library of music and the band’s biggest hits.
The casting search for the film’s lead initially began back in 2019 after we first announced the package. Boy George had previously speculated that a well known pop singer could take on the role, but so far no one has been announced and the project now has a new home and new impetus with The Hitman’s Bodyguard and The Expendables outfit Millennium.
Jonathan Yunger, Co-President of Millennium Media, explained: “We’re elated to bring this amazing story to life. Boy George and Culture Club have been an inspiration to so many people. Specifically, George’s unapologetic way of being true to himself. He has paved the way for people to live their truth as fearless individuals. This is more relevant today than ever and we are so proud to have Sacha lead the charge on this musical journey”.
I am a big fan of Boy George, and he is one of those artists that I am surprised hasn’t be brought to the big screen before now. I am not sure when the biopic is being released but, as restrictions are relaxing in the U.K., a lot of filming can be done in the summer. Hopefully the film will be out not too long after that. For Culture Club fans and non-fans alike, I think that Karma Chameleon is going to be essential viewing! It will be a fascinating look at…
A music icon.