Variety reports that a Jimmy Hendrix biopic is currently in the works through Thomas Tull’s Legendary Pictures. The feature film would focus on the life and career of Hendrix, the rock & roll legend whose mastery over the guitar has melted the faces of music lovers since the 1960s. Rumors of the Hendrix biopic started back in 2009, but as of yesterday rumors spread to move forward with musician turned actor in Outkast’s Andre (3000) Benjamin.

According to a report from the Irish Film and Television Network published on Monday (May 7), the Outkast rapper has been tapped to play the legendary ax man in an upcoming biopic titled “All Is by My Side.” Although Andre is most known for his musical talent, some critics question is acting abilities to carry a leading role. Check out the opinions of News editors below, either way it would be a good look for Andre.

Although he’s more well-known for his contributions to music as part of the Grammy-winning hip-hop duo, Benjamin (a.k.a. Andre 3000) has had roles in several movies, including “Semi-Pro,” “Idlewild,” “Four Brothers,” and appeared on the FX TV series “The Shield.”

“Considering his just-passable acting in ‘Idlewild,’ the jury’s still out on whether Andre can carry a movie on his own,” offered MTV News senior writer Gil Kaufman. “But given his virtual retirement from music since that movie’s release — ‘Semi-Pro’ was a small step in the right direction — and word that he’s been taking acting lessons, the Hendrix movie could do for him what ‘Dreamgirls’ did for Jennifer Hudson.

“Andre has the musical chops, the artistic sensibility and a devotion to his craft that makes me think he wouldn’t take on this iconic role without knowing that he had something deep to offer,” Kaufman continued. “Plus, as he’s proven over and over with his many note-perfect, bulls-eye features on songs since he stopped recording his own albums, when he shoots, he shoots to kill.”

 

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