Even though the rival project "Greetings From Tim Buckley" is in the can and if not finished, then pretty much nearly there, the filmmakers behind the Jeff Buckley biopic "Mystery White Boy" are choosing to make it right intead of fast. With the rights locked up to use Buckley's music, the blessing of his estate who are also involved with the film, and with rehearsals with already under way with lead Reeve Carney, this one is aiming to be the only Buckley movie you'll need to see, and they're adding a trio of strong talent.
The usually on point Baz Bamigboye reports that Gemma Arterton, Olivia Thirlby and Harry Treadaway are all lining up for roles in the developing pic. Penned by Ryan Jaffe ("The Rocker"), who is using David Browne's book "Dream Brother: The Lives and Music of Jeff and Tim Buckley" to help shape the story, the film is being put together for what looks like will be the definitive tale of the rocker who tragically died just as his career was about to explode into the stratosphere. The movie will track his life from the ages of 15 through 30, with the Arterton and Thirlby playing composites of the, respectively, wild and more stable women in his life. Meanwhile, Treadaway will play Buckley's drummer Matt Johnson while we presume Patricia Arquette is still on for the role of his mother.
Getting this moving has proven to be a challenge with fall and spring start dates coming and going, with financing still needing to be lined up. But hopefully these names will help open up some bank accounts. Should the pieces fall into place, shooting in New York and Memphis will take place later this year with Jake Scott ("Welcome To The Rileys") at the helm.
