OutKast rapper and singer André 3000 will portray guitar legend Jimi Hendrix in a new biopic of the ’60s rocker being made in Ireland.
The casting was announced Monday by the Irish Film and Television Network. The movie is already in pre-production and will begin filming in three weeks in Dublin and other cities.
The film, titled All Is By My Side, will show Hendrix from his beginnings up to and including his 1966 breakthrough and release of the album “Are You Experienced.”
All Is By My Side will be directed by Three Kings writer John Ridley, who also wrote the screenplay.
Previous attempts to produce films about the iconic rock guitarist have come up against the Hendrix estate, which has refused to license the late artist’s songs. It’s not known if Ridley has negotiated music rights.
Andre 3000 – real name Andre Benjamin – is best-known as one half of hip-hop duo Outkast who have had a number of worldwide hits including ‘Ms Jackson’ and ‘Hey Ya’. His acting career includes roles in the TV show “The Shield” and Guy Richie’s film Revolver.
