When Ann and Nancy Wilson were putting on air guitar shows in their living room as kids, they probably never imagined that there would someday be a feature film about their lives and careers. They never could have predicted how big Heart would become. But now, more than 50 years later, the sisters are watching a script being written and developed, details about their personal lives pored over and perfected. They are watching actresses audition to play them, a bizarre experience all on its own.
The Heart biopic is eagerly anticipated, and as more details surface, the film becomes more and more enticing. Following in the footsteps of recent biopic successes like Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen, of course) and Rocketman (Elton John), the Heart film will seek to capture the same rich story, with the same grit and edginess that Heart songs themselves evoke. It may still be a while before the film comes out, so we've got a little something to hold you over until then. This is everything we know about the Heart biopic.
10 It's Written and Directed By Carrie Brownstein
It's hard to imagine a better person to bring this film into existence than Carrie Brownstein, the riot grrl rocker of Sleater-Kinney fame and one half of the comedic genius behind IFC's hit sketch show, Portlandia. She's recently been venturing into directing, with huge television credits like Shrill, Mrs. Fletcher and Search Party. With the perfect rock sensibility and intimate knowledge of the genre and industry, not to mention roots in the same Pacific Northwest rock scene as Heart, Ann and Nancy Wilson are in capable hands with Carrie Brownstein writing and directing.
9 Ann and Nancy Are Excited
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No sour feelings here. The Wilson sisters are in on the movie and excited about it. While they may not be a part of day-to-day operations or filming, they are certainly kept in the loop and watching eagerly from the sidelines as decisions are made and the production comes together. It seems like they do have some creative say in the matter, which is great - we want the real, authentic Heart story!
8 ...But They're Not Speaking Much These Days
Though both have expressed excitement about the film, Ann and Nancy aren't in touch very much anymore. This dates back to an incident in 2016 when Ann Wilson's husband, Dean Wetter, was arrested for assaulting Nancy's twin 16-year-old sons at a Heart show in Washington. The sisters' relationship has been strained ever since, and it's unclear if this film may bring them closer together or push them farther apart.
7 COVID Delayed Production
Like so many films and TV shows, COVID threw a big wrench in production, and filming has still not yet begun. As of December, Carrie Brownstein was still doing rewrites of the script, so it's likely that filming may begin later this year. Carrie Brownstein can take her sweet time, as far as we're concerned. You can't rush genius!
6 Casting Isn't Decided Yet - But It's Not Anne Hathaway
There's no word on any major casting decisions yet, but we know one person it's not. Anne Hathaway was submitted as Ann (Wilson) and was reportedly very interested, but Ann didn't think she was quite right. Whoever it is, in both Nancy and Ann's roles, has got to have pretty big chops to play such iconic figures. "I am just as excited about finding out as you are," Ann told Stereogum.
5 Singing vs. Lip Syncing is Undecided So Far
Those casting decisions may affect other major decisions for the production, like whether or not the actresses will sing or lip sync. Taron Egerton sang in Rocketman, whereas Rami Malek lip synced in Bohemian Rhapsody. Too bad Anne Hathaway is already out of the running - she would have certainly been up for the task of belting it out herself, as she did so powerfully as Fantine in 2012's Les Miserables.
4 It Will Draw Heavily On Details From 'Kicking and Dreaming'
Kicking and Dreaming, the book Ann and Nancy wrote together chronicling their rise to fame and ensuing success, will serve as source material for a good portion of the film. The book documents intimate details of their lives as sisters and bandmates, so the film is sure to be an authentic portrayal of the two rock icons.
3 Lynda Obst of 'Sleepless in Seattle' and 'How to Lose a Guy In 10 Days' is Producing
We're psyched to hear that the production is filling out with lots of badass women, not the least of which is producer Lynda Obst. If Sleepless in Seattle and How to Lost a Guy In 10 Days don't impress you, how about Hope Floats, or Flashdance? If those classic movies are any indication of Lynda Obst's capabilities as a producer, this biopic is sure to be a hit.
2 The Film Will Span The Wilsons' Childhood Through the 1990s
Ann revealed that the film will begin when Ann and Nancy are still children, slowly discovering their love for rock and roll while growing up in Seattle, Washington. Naturally, it will focus mainly on Heart's most notable and prolific decade, the '80s, when they were most in the spotlight. Put your leg warmers on, we're going back in time!
1 It's Bringing Up Some Tough Memories
Because the film will focus on the '80s, the Wilson sisters may be a bit apprehensive about reliving some of the harder parts of their moment in history. They have spoken about how despite experiencing their most commercial success in the '80s, it was a decade in which they gave up a lot of artistic control. Ann described it as a "devil's bargain," wherein their "creative selves took a backseat to [their] showbiz selves."