Hollywood is currently witnessing a significant shift in its storytelling focus, with a wave of biopics dedicated to influential female musicians. This renewed attention promises to offer audiences a fresh perspective, moving beyond the traditionally male-centric narratives that have dominated the genre. These upcoming films are poised to explore the multifaceted lives and profound artistic contributions of these legendary women, ensuring their legacies are celebrated and understood in a deeper, more nuanced way.
Hollywood Spotlight on Female Music Legends: New Biopics in the Pipeline
In a notable development announced on March 2, 2026, by A24, acclaimed director Barry Jenkins is set to helm Be My Baby, the highly anticipated biopic of girl-group icon Ronnie Spector, with Zendaya cast in the lead role. The film draws inspiration from Spector's 1990 memoir, Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness, or, My Life as a Fabulous Ronette. Before her passing in 2022, Spector herself personally selected Zendaya, a choice that Zendaya later honored with a heartfelt tribute, expressing her hope to make Spector proud. This project is just one of several exciting biopics about female musical pioneers currently in various stages of development. Other anticipated films include a long-awaited Janis Joplin feature starring Shailene Woodley, a Linda Ronstadt biopic with Selena Gomez portraying the powerhouse vocalist, and a film where Lizzo will embody the trailblazing guitarist Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Furthermore, in February 2026, the Cass Elliot biopic, My Mama, Cass, was confirmed, with Jessica Gunning from Baby Reindeer slated to star. These films represent a significant move towards recognizing the extraordinary contributions of women in music, offering a welcome contrast to the recent prevalence of male musician biopics like those of Bob Dylan, Queen, Elvis, Elton John, Bob Marley, Mötley Crüe, and Robbie Williams. The production of these projects often faces complexities, including negotiations with artists' estates and music rights, which can prolong their development. Shailene Woodley, for instance, in December 2024, expressed her long-standing commitment to the Joplin film, revealing seven years of effort and highlighting the importance of filming in California. If the Joplin estate cooperates, Woodley intends to perform her own vocals, a challenge she has embraced with the guidance of music producer Linda Perry. Similarly, My Mama, Cass is based on Owen Elliot-Kugell’s 2024 memoir, providing an authorized and intimate portrayal of Cass Elliot's life and her relationship with her daughter, aiming to dispel long-standing myths. Selena Gomez confirmed in November 2024 that the authorized Linda Ronstadt film is also progressing, with Ronstadt’s longtime manager John Boylan and James Keach on board as co-producers, and David O. Russell set to direct. These films, especially My Mama, Cass and Be My Baby, are expected to focus on specific pivotal aspects of the artists’ lives, rather than offering exhaustive, chronological accounts, a narrative approach that could prevent them from falling into the “romantic entanglement trap” seen in some previous biopics, where a female artist's story is overshadowed by her relationships.
This surge in female musician biopics is a much-needed and positive development in the entertainment industry. For too long, the stories of male artists have dominated the big screen, often leaving the equally rich and impactful narratives of female musicians untold or relegated to supporting roles. By shining a spotlight on figures like Ronnie Spector, Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Cass Elliot, Hollywood not only rectifies this imbalance but also offers audiences diverse perspectives on artistic genius, resilience, and the challenges faced by women in the music world. It's an opportunity to celebrate their groundbreaking work, personal struggles, and enduring influence, inspiring new generations and enriching our understanding of music history. This trend also emphasizes the importance of authorized biographies, which can provide authentic and respectful portrayals, allowing the artists' true voices and legacies to resonate.