the industry

A Roy Orbison Biopic Is in Development, Ooh-Yay-Yay-Yay-Yeah

Photo of Roy ORBISON
Photo: David Redfern/Redferns

Stop awhile, talk awhile, give your smile to this exciting news. Deadline is reporting that the first authorized film about Roy Orbison’s life is currently in the works. The Big O: Roy Orbison a cheeky nod to Orbison’s nickname — is being fully supported by the late singer-songwriter’s estate. The film will be written by Ray Gideon and Bruce Evans, and they will be joined by many members of the Orbison family, including his three surviving children, in various roles. The film also has the rights to “virtually all” of Orbison’s iconic songs and recordings. “My dad’s story is a fantastic journey,” Alex Orbison said in a statement. “He was so inspiring as a person because, after everything he had been through, good and bad, he still had a positive outlook on life, and was kind and wonderful. The movie will mirror a Roy Orbison song: having triumph and tragedy, sometimes losing the girl and sometimes getting the girl, and ending on a high note. Our father’s life story has an undeniably cinematic quality to it.” Maybe Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and Jeff Lynne will show up for a scene or two; that would certainly be all right.

A Roy Orbison Biopic Is in Development