The story of the Ramones seems tailor-made for the big screen, and after years of haggling over estates and film rights, that may just happen. Now, as the band’s 40th anniversary grows closer, plans are in place for a big celebration including a film directed by Martin Scorcese.
No other details have been revealed about the film so far, but band manager Jeff Jampol promises that the film will live up to audience expectations. “Authenticity is the foundation of everything,” he told Billboard. “And luckily, when you have a really genius artist like the Ramones you don’t have to spin it.”
The Scorcese-helmed film is just one of the projects that are in the works to commemorate the band’s 40th anniversary in 2016: a documentary, a book, and a Morrissey-curated compilation are also planned (though we’re still not sure if Morrissey will instead write a lengthly screed about why he isn’t curating a Ramones compilation.) Some new releases and a theatrical production are also being discussed, but those are a bit more tenuous at the moment.
This is so exciting! I’ve been waiting ages for a good Ramones biopic. Should make for an excellent NY film, hopefully centered in their hometown of Queens!