Living on a Prayer: The Bon Jovi Story
Universal Pictures has secured the rights to produce a feature film about the iconic rock band Bon Jovi. The movie will delve into the band's origins in New Jersey and their rise to fame with the release of their breakthrough album, Slippery When Wet, in 1986. Lead singer Jon Bon Jovi will be involved in the project, and Cody Brotter is set to write the screenplay. Producers Kevin J. Walsh and Gotham Chopra are on board, although a director and casting decisions are yet to be announced.
The film will trace Jon Bon Jovi's journey from his early days working at a recording studio to becoming a global rock star. It will highlight key moments in the band's history, including their performance at the 1989 Moscow Music Peace Festival. The band, formed in 1983, achieved massive success with Slippery When Wet, which topped the charts and produced hit singles like "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Livin' on a Prayer."
Jon Bon Jovi, born Jon Bongiovi in New Jersey, received an electric guitar as a teenager and pursued his dream of becoming a rock star. The band's lineup solidified with members like David Bryan, Tico Torres, Alec John Such, and Richie Sambora, who played with the band until 2013. The band's enduring popularity and impact on the music industry will be explored in the upcoming film.
Gotham Chopra, who directed the 2024 documentary on Bon Jovi, will bring his insights to the feature film project. Jon Bon Jovi has expressed interest in having his son, Jake Bongiovi, portray him in the biopic. Universal Pictures, known for producing successful music biopics like 8 Mile and Straight Outta Compton, is set to add Bon Jovi's story to its roster of projects.
As Bon Jovi continues to make music and prepare for a series of live shows, fans can look forward to reliving the band's journey on the big screen. The upcoming film promises to capture the essence of Bon Jovi's music and legacy, appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences alike.