A new biopic titled "Faithfull" is set to chronicle the extraordinary life of music icon Marianne Faithfull, with "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" actress Freya Allan cast in the lead role. British actor Jojo Macari will portray Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger in the film directed by Finnish filmmaker Zaida Bergroth.
The film, currently in pre-production, will explore Faithfull's remarkable journey from her rise as a 1960s pop sensation through her struggles with addiction and homelessness, to her triumphant comeback. The project is being presented to potential buyers at the European Film Market in Berlin by Altitude Film Sales.
The screenplay, co-written by producer Julia Taylor-Stanley and director Bergroth, promises to capture Faithfull's transformation from an "angel-innocent pop icon" to a respected artist who overcame personal challenges to cement her legacy in music history.
Faithfull's story began with her 1964 hit single "As Tears Go By," written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Her relationship with Jagger and subsequent tabloid notoriety, including the infamous 1967 drug raid at Richards' Sussex estate, will be featured in the narrative.
The film will also document her journey through homelessness in 1970s London and her phoenix-like resurrection with the release of her acclaimed 1979 album "Broken English."
Director Bergroth, known for her work on "Tove," brings her experience in biographical storytelling to the project. The film is being produced by Artemis Films' Julia Taylor-Stanley and Finnish producer Roosa Toivonen.
The announcement comes shortly after Faithfull's passing in London on January 30, 2024, at the age of 78, adding poignancy to this celebration of her extraordinary life and artistic legacy.