“Twilight” star Robert Pattinson is potentially lined up to play Kurt Cobain in a biopic based on his tragic life. According to UK tabloid The Sun, Pattinson has been pestering Cobain’s widow, Courtney Love, to allow him to take on the role of the iconic Nirvana frontman. It appears his persistence may pay off.
Love who holds the rights to Charles R Cross’ “Heavier Than Heaven” biography, the tragic genius’ life story, also wants Scarlett Johansson to play her, with David Fincher reportedly lined up to direct. Universal Pictures is producing the film. The film is thought to be titled “All Apologies.”
Regardless of the current backlash from the so-called “hardcore Nirvana” fans, I couldn’t think of a more perfect team up than Pattinson and Johansson for the roles. Pattinson, beyond just the “Twilight” series, is a good actor, a strong actor capable of showing the conflicted psyche of Cobain.
The only thing that worries me is the fact that this biopic is only getting made because Courtney Love has such creative control over the entire project. Love is hardly the most unbiased source when it comes to her former husband’s troubled life and her involvement in it. Although, saying that, I have read “Heavier Than Heaven” and it is a great read and quite straight with the facts it appears. It remains to be seen, however, whether former Nirvana bandmates Krist Noveselic and Dave Grohl (and the numerous drummers before him) will have any creative input into this project. With Love in the driver’s seat, I’m guessing no, and that could be the reason this film could take a long, LONG time to get made.
Now keep in mind, Pattinson is not officially confirmed to play Cobain. After the Sun’s report got out, Love’s agent, Jonathan Daniels, told SPIN.com that it’s the first he’s heard of it. He even goes on to say he doubts the Hole frontwoman even knows who Pattinson is. Ouch!
However, we know how these “official” statements debunking the previous “unofficial” statements can end up being damage limitation after a scoop may have got out.
In any case, I would take this all as a pinch of salt. And to be brutally honest, this sort of publicity is Love’s M.O. She still released her band’s new album just days after Cobain originally committed suicide and now, this news “leaks” just days after the 16-year anniversary of her husband’s death. Hmm …
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Kurt would roll over in his grave at the thought of this guy playing him.
Actually the thought of Scarlett Johansson being in it is worse to me than Pattinson.