Music of Prince inspiration for film

Universal Pictures has acquired the rights to a number of classic songs from Prince’s catalog and is developing an original film musical inspired by his music, using the songs to drive a fictional narrative.

Insiders stress that the film is not a biopic but an original story with Prince’s classic songs driving the plotline. The Prince estate has been inquiring with studios about such a film, and Universal Chairman Donna Langley worked aggressively to acquire the rights.

Meetings have begun with potential writers and producers, and execs are hoping the film can be something like Universal’s “Mamma Mia,” with a completely original story where Prince’s music helps drive that narrative.

Atom Factory’s Troy Carter, the entertainment adviser of Prince’s estate will executive-produce alongside Jody Gerson, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, the exclusive worldwide publishing administrator for Prince’s catalog.

Prince sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He won eight Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award for the 1984 film “Purple Rain.” He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Though the film isn’t a biopic, studios have been on the lookout for the next great musical after the success of Fox’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”