Nick Jonas is in final talks to play KISS frontman Paul Stanley in a biopic about the famous rock band.
McG will direct the project, titled Shout It Out Loud, which is being fully financed by STX.
The band first formed in 1970s New York and became known for its glam rock look, always performing in face paint and elaborate costumes. It found hits with songs like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Deuce”. Their performances included theatrical elements like pyrotechnics, rockets, spitting blood and smoke.
Casting is currently underway for the role of KISS icon Gene Simmons.
Darren Lemke wrote the latest draft of the project, which has been developed by band members and Universal Music Publishing Group’s Jody Gerson and Universal Music Group’s Bruce Resnikoff, who control the band’s music rights globally. Polygram’s David Blackman also developed the project.
Simmons and Stanley will produce, along with Mark Canton and Doc McGhee, Gerson, and Blackman all serving as producers or executive producers. They are joined by Leigh Ann Burton; McG, and his Wonderland producing partner Mary Viola; David Hopwood; Courtney Solomon; and Dorothy Canton; as well as Sweden-based Pophouse, which acquired the global rights to the KISS brand, including name and likeness.
Jonas, repped by UTA and Schreck Rose, comes from his own musical background, as one of the members of the band The Jonas Brothers, and a subsequent solo career that includes hits like “Jealous.” As for film, Jonas has appeared in the Jumanji franchise and will next be seen starring opposite Paul Rudd in John Carney’s Power Ballad for Lionsgate.
