The cinematic landscape of 2025 is shaping up to be a year of life stories. Biopics, a genre that has consistently captivated audiences with its blend of historical accuracy and dramatic storytelling, are once again at the forefront. From music legends to sports icons, the big screen is set to showcase a diverse range of fascinating individuals. Here is a look at some of the most anticipated biographical films of 2025 and the notable figures they will bring to life.
The King of Pop and The Boss
Two of the year’s most high-profile biopics center on music royalty: Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen. The long-awaited Michael is a major event. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jackson’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, the film promises an intimate look at the King of Pop’s life and career. With the Jackson family reportedly involved in the production, fans are eager to see this portrayal of one of the most complex and influential figures in music history. The film’s cast also includes Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Michael’s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson.
Equally buzzed about is Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere. This film focuses on a very specific but pivotal period in Bruce Springsteen’s career: the making of his 1982 album Nebraska. Starring Jeremy Allen White in the lead role, the project has garnered significant attention for its casting. White, known for his work on The Bear, is stepping into the shoes of The Boss, and early images from the set have only heightened anticipation for his performance. The film is based on Warren Zanes’ book and is set to provide a gritty, authentic look at the artist’s creative process during a time of personal and professional introspection.
Music Icons of All Eras
The musical biopic trend does not stop with Jackson and Springsteen. The legendary Bob Dylan is the subject of A Complete Unknown, a film starring Timothée Chalamet. Directed by James Mangold, this movie explores Dylan’s rise in the 1960s folk scene and his controversial transition to electric music. The production has drawn attention for its detailed recreation of the era and Chalamet’s commitment to the role, with reports that he will perform Dylan’s songs himself.
Another musical titan receiving the big-screen treatment is the late, great Amy Winehouse in Back to Black. Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, the film stars Marisa Abela as the soulful singer. The biopic promises to delve into Winehouse’s incredible talent and her often tumultuous life, with Jack O’Connell portraying her husband, Blake Fielder-Civil.
A more left-field but intriguing project is Better Man, a biopic about pop star Robbie Williams. Directed by Michael Gracey, the film is reported to feature Williams himself as a CGI monkey in a surreal and unconventional approach to the genre. This creative choice suggests a departure from traditional biopics and could offer a fresh perspective on a familiar format.
Legends of Sport and Stage
Beyond music, the biographical film genre in 2025 is also exploring the lives of athletes and performers. Dwayne Johnson takes on a dramatic and transformative role in The Smashing Machine, where he portrays former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film is expected to be a raw and unflinching look at Kerr’s struggles with fame, addiction, and his career. Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr’s wife, Dawn Staples.
On a much lighter note, the world’s most famous dancer and choreographer, Fred Astaire, is the subject of a highly anticipated film. Directed by Paul King, the untitled project stars Tom Holland, whose background as a dancer makes him a natural fit for the role. With his talent for both acting and physical performance, Holland is poised to bring Astaire’s effortless grace to the screen.
In addition to these stories, other projects are in various stages of development and production. A Martin Scorsese film about Frank Sinatra with Leonardo DiCaprio is reportedly in the works. Colman Domingo is both directing and starring in a film about Nat King Cole. Billy Porter is co-writing and starring in a James Baldwin biopic. And a four-part film series about The Beatles is in development with director Sam Mendes, each film from a different band member’s perspective.
The trend of biopics shows no signs of slowing down. As filmmakers continue to mine the depths of history for compelling stories, 2025 is set to offer a rich and varied slate of films that celebrate some of the most remarkable lives of the past and present. Whether a fan of music, sports, or Hollywood’s golden age, there will be a life story on the big screen to captivate every viewer.