HEADLINE: “Ryan Coogler Spearheads Prince-Based Jukebox Musical: A Groundbreaking Journey Through The Purple Haze”
Renowned Black Panther director Ryan Coogler gears up for another unique venture—a jukebox movie musical inspired by the mystical melodies of iconic pop star, Prince. This thrilling revelation, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, positions Coogler to produce this highly anticipated project for Universal Pictures, a venture filled with purple-tinted promise, nearly half a decade in the making.
Coogler, celebrated for his distinguished work in thrilling cinematic experiences like Black Panther, is partnering on this project with Proximity Media’s Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian. Tagging along in these production duties is Universal Music Publishing Group chair Jody Gerson, along with Proximity Media’s Rebecca Cho taking the reigns as an executive producer. The script for this untitled piece comes from the talented Bryan Edward Hill, known for his work on popular comic materials like ‘Kilmonger’ and ‘Ultimate Black Panther.’
As musical cinema makes a robust comeback, Coogler’s latest venture promises a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. However, as of press time, essential details related to the film’s title, the talented director who’ll steer the ship, and the star-studded cast are yet to be announced.
Coogler’s cinematic brilliance continues to shine as he simultaneously takes on another hush-hush project for Warner Bros., featuring Michael B. Jordan. Marking his directorial return post the sequel to Black Panther in 2022, this film is set for a premiere in March 2025. Coogler and Jordan are a tried-and-true Hollywood duo, having previously worked together on critical successes like Fruitvale Station, Creed, and of course, Black Panther.
Besides Coogler’s silver screen interpretation of Prince’s music, another adaptation is currently underway. In January, it was announced that Prince’s Purple Rain film and soundtrack are being reimagined for the stage. This adaptation boasts a captivating mix of the original score by the late Prince, and a book penned by Pulitzer Prize-finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, whose drama, ‘Appropriate’, is currently revelling in a successful Broadway run.
Jacobs-Jenkins’ book will draw inspiration from the original Purple Rain screenplay, penned by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn. Overseeing the direction will be the Tony-nominated Lileana Blain-Cruz, with Orin Wolf, a Tony winner handling the production duties.
Ryan Coogler’s latest project heralds a new era in Hollywood. Bridging the past with the present by creating a seamless blend of Prince’s timeless music and modern storytelling techniques, it aims to elevate the stature of musical cinema.
As we await further details, there’s an undeniable excitement amongst Prince’s evergreen fanbase and admirers of the film industry. Coogler’s unyielding passion coupled with the musical genius of Prince creates an electrifying promise of an explosion of funk, rock, and emotion—a musical panorama that will once again rejuvenate our screens with that beautiful shade of Purple.
