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Hendrix biopic set to shoot with Andre 3000 starring

BY Josh Kerns  on May 7, 2012 @ 1:41 pm (Updated: 4:14 pm - 5/7/12 )

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A long delayed biopic about Jimi Hendrix early years in the UK is finally set to start filming with Outkast's Andre 3000 playing the Seattle native. (Image:AP)

A long delayed biopic about Jimi Hendrix is finally about to get off the ground, with former Outkast rapper Andre 3000 set to star as the Seattle guitar slinger.

The film will reportedly be set in 1966 and 1967 and cover the period in which Hendrix was discovered in a New York club by Rolling Stone guitarist Keith Richard's then girlfriend Linda Keith, according to the Irish Film and Television Network.

That led him to London and the recording of his iconic debut album 'Are You Experienced', followed by a number of his other greatest recordings.

Filming is expected to start in about three weeks, with John Ridley, writer of 1999's Three Kings and 1997's U Turn, set to write and direct.

The film has been rumored for at least a few years, with Hendrix family reportedly blocking the project for some reason, according to Rolling Stone.

Seattle's EMP Museum coincidentally plans a major exhibition chronicling Hendrix early years. Hear My Train a Comin': Hendrix Hits London opens Nov. 17 in honor of what would have been his 70th birthday.

Josh Kerns, MyNorthwest.com Reporter
Josh Kerns is co-host of KIRO Radio's Seattle Sounds (Saturday nights 7-8) and a digital content producer for MyNorthwest.com.
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Comments (5)


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  • hpygolkyone wrote...
    Huh?!............
    May 7, 2012 3:07 pm
    It seems like they are only trying to sell tickets. Why else would they put a "rapper" with NO ACTING EXPERIENCE in the role of Jimi Hendrix?

    The can't find an experienced actor who can play this part?

    You don't need to have a thug, playing the part of Jimi Hendrix to sell tickets.

    If you write a good script, tell a good story in a logical sequence and have good acting.....the customers will come and the $$$$ will roll in all by themselves.

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  • ronzilla wrote...
    agreed hpygolkyone!
    May 8, 2012 12:08 am
    A gangsta' rappa' playing the role of a love-child hippie rock star??!!

    I don't think so!

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  • rsvp1968 wrote...
    they did
    May 7, 2012 5:55 pm
    they did have an accomplished actor do jimi,wood harris, it was called hendrix. wasn't very good,they need to nail this one because jimi needs to be represented better. the best needs the best!!
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  • JustAnotherFish wrote...
    Really people?
    May 8, 2012 7:35 am
    Oh, to live in a narrow little realm of black & white ignorance...

    First of all, he's as much a "gangsta' rappa'" as Justin Bieber. Just because he's black, and makes music, means he's gangsta???

    Secondly, he has been in a few movies and TV shows. Nothing worthy of any kind of award, but still...

    I bet he does an pretty damned good job in this role. He's got the resemblance. The attitude and charisma. And the musical background.

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  • Kneer wrote...
    Clueless
    May 8, 2012 8:27 am
    You guys have no idea what you are talking about. Andre is not a gangsta rapper, anyone who says this obviously has never listened to Outkast or Andre 3000's solo work which is just as much alternative and funk as it is rap. He is perfect for the role and has been in movies in the past.
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