Biopic of Hank Williams in the Works

Nashville's 821 Group and Strike Entertainment are joining forces to produce a Hank Williams biopic. The story will be based on the book Hank Williams: The Biography by Colin Escott and, through an agreement with the Williams estate, some of the singer's recordings will be used in the film.

The script for the film is being written by Marc Abraham who is a partner in Strike Entertainment. Abraham told Variety, "He was the first real star who went down as the result of his lifestyle, succeeded by Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain. He destroyed himself, but for six years leading to his death, Hank had six songs each year in the top 10."

Eric Geadelmann, CEO of 821 group, said "It took us almost five years to execute this deal, and people told us we were crazy to try because the estate was so fractured." When all was said and done, the company was able to bring William's son, Hank Williams, Jr. and his illegitimate daughter, Jett Williams, into agreement, something the industry did not think was possible.

This won't be the first time that Williams' life has come to the screen. Back in 1964, George Hamilton starred in Your Cheatin' Heart.

Source: Variety