EXCLUSIVE: Universal Pictures has optioned the rights to Anthony Kiedis’ New York Times Best Seller Scar Tissue and the project is currently in early development at the studio. The project will be produced by Brain Grazer through Imagine Entertainment, Kiedis, and Guy Oseary.
The very candid book profiles Kiedis, the famed frontman of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, an artist, addict, and ringleader and contains a deeply unconventional father & son story set against a substance-fueled 70s & 80s LA punk scene. This story examines, without judgement, how all of his experiences shaped the music that was eventually embraced by millions.
Universal in recent years has shown a knack for delivering the goods on the biopic based on musicians front that both deliver the box-office wins as well as the critical acclaim. The N.W.A. pic Straight Outta Compton was a massive box-office hit that also earned an Oscar nomination for original screenplay. Universal’s Executive Vice President of Production Development Jay Polidoro will oversee the project on behalf of the Studio.
Kiedis is an American musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the front man of arguably the most successful alternative rock band of all time, the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and later moved to Los Angeles, California around the age of 12, Kiedis’ early exposure to the vibrant music scene of the city laid the foundation for his future career. In 1983, he co-founded the Red Hot Chili Peppers alongside guitarist Hillel Slovak, bassist Flea (Michael Balzary), and drummer Jack Irons. The band’s fusion of funk, punk, and rock elements, coupled with Kiedis’ energetic and provocative stage presence, quickly gained them a devoted fan base. Kiedis’ life has been marked by a deep passion for music, a tumultuous journey through addiction and recovery, and a relentless commitment to artistic expression.
Kiedis is represented by CAA, Guy Oseary, and Eric Greenspan at Myman Greenspan Fineman Fox Rosenberg & Light LLP.