We Have A Marianne, But Who's Playing Jagger? What We Know About The 'Faithfull' Biopic

More than a “muse”, Marianne Faithfull remains to this day a force of nature. She is, of course, known for a highly publicised relationship with Mick Jagger in the late ’60s, influencing songs like Wild Horses and You Can't Always Get What You Want, but when it comes to icons that epitomise an era, it’s hard to go past the British singer, songwriter and actress. 

It comes as no surprise then that a biopic entitled Faithfull is in the works, based on Faithfull’s 1994 memoir. Here we’ve compiled everything we know so far. Strap in, it’s going to be one hell of a ride. 

Who’s directing? 

Ian Bonhôte has been confirmed at the helm of the project. The BAFTA-nominated director is known for his work on McQueen, the documentary which told the story of legendary fashion designer Alexander McQueen, but his credits span music videos, short film and commercials. Julia Taylor-Stanley, Colin Vaines and Andee Ryder will produce the film. 

Who’s locked in?

Rumours started circling in October last year but today we have confirmation that British-American actress Lucy Boynton will play the titular role. She will also act as executive producer on the project. 

“I fell in love with this project the second I read it so I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of telling Marianne’s story both as an actor and, for the first time, as an executive producer, especially alongside this creative team,” Boynton said in a statement, via Rolling Stone. “I can’t wait to really get started.”

Boynton is known most recently for her portrayal of Mary Austin in Bohemian Rhapsody alongside Rami Malek. She made her film debut in 2006's Miss Potter and has since appeared in Sing Street, Murder On The Orient Express and more.  

No other members of the cast have been identified as of yet but casting is reportedly underway for Jagger. 

What’s it going to cover?

Telling the tale of Faithfull’s rise to stardom, the film will chronicle her “rollercoaster journey from being discovered as a convent schoolgirl of 17, finding fame as a pop idol, living through hedonistic times and a tumultuous romance with Mick Jagger that inspired some of their greatest songs, to being a homeless drug addict in Soho”. 

“Marianne is an extraordinary woman who rebelled against the male-dominated music industry,” Bonhôte said. “The film will explore female issues as well as the injustices she suffered in her quest to be recognised as an artist. I’m honoured to collaborate with Lucy and Julia to shine a light on Marianne’s timeless story.”

Who got it greenlit?

Altitude Film Distribution, the company that distributed Amy Winehouse documentary Amy among other musician-based documentaries, has acquired worldwide sales rights. Financing will come from Lorton Entertainment. 

When can we expect it?

The film is currently in pre-production stage so no word as to when we can expect it on our screens. It has, however, been on the table for more than a decade. Faithfull told the BBC an adaption of her 1994 memoir had been planned in 2009. 

“It won’t happen right away but we have found a director who I trust who wants to make a film of the book,” she said at the time. “I don’t want to have much to do with it. I want to read the script and like the script and then I’m going to let go of it and let them do what they want. That’s the way to do it.”

Filming will begin later this year. 

Want some Marianne Faithfull in your life while you wait? 

Start with 1968’s classic The Girl On A Motorcycle. Pick up a copy of her memoir for such gems as, “Maybe the most that you can expect from a relationship that goes bad is to come out of it with a few good songs.” Then revisit her latest album, 2018’s Negative Capability, which she worked on with Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. As Ellis said about her career, “She walked through the whole thing on her own terms.” 

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