Despite years of sparing updates, a representative for Polygram Entertainment confirmed this week that Sony's Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne biopic is still moving forward, and that "they're currently in negotiations with a director, which could be confirmed very soon." In 2021, Sony announced that it would be making a film based on the heavy metal legend's relationship with his wife and manager. The studio was developing it with Polygram Entertainment and Osbourne Media, the film and television arm of Universal Music Group and the Osbourne family's media label, respectively. Sharon, as well as her and Ozzy's children, Jack and Aimee Osbourne, were attached to produce alongside Polygram's Michele Anthony and David Blackman and Sony's Andrea Giannetti. More from Variety Ozzy Osbourne's Cause of Death Revealed as Heart Attack Rod Stewart Shows AI Images of Ozzy Osbourne In Heaven With Dead Music Icons During Concert Tribute Ozzy Osbourne Funeral: Sharon Osbourne and Family Pay Tribute With Peace Signs as Thousands of Fans Chant 'Thank You Ozzy' in Emotional Procession Lee Hall was attached to write the screenplay, fresh off the success of 2019's "Rocketman," where his script adapted Elton John's life story for the screen. Polygram's recent statement confirms that Hall is still involved alongside the original producing team. Who the team is considering for director or when the selection will be announced remains under wraps. Given Ozzy's iconic persona—both on-stage as the leader of Black Sabbath and an illustrious solo career and on-screen as the central figure in MTV's reality series "The Osbournes" alongside his family—it's no surprise that he has long been an attractive subject for a scripted feature film. Back in 1998, screenwriter Ryan Jaffe ("This Is Happening," "The Rocker") sought to produce a film based on Ozzy and Sharon's relationship. "I was an assistant at Industry Entertainment, before the Osbournes even had a reality show," Jaffe tellsVariety. "There was a 'Behind The Music' about Sharon and Ozzy, and I just thought it was the most amazing love story that I had ever seen. I tried to develop it as a producer. I got the blessing of my boss to pursue it and had several meetings with Sharon and Ozzy." The project, however, never came to fruition. "It was a great experience," Jaffe reflects. "Unfortunately, they weren't able to make a deal with New Line, which was the studio at the time, and it just kind of went away." Years later, Jaffe wrote a screenplay for his Sharon and Ozzy story on spec. "I just loved that story and was never able to let it go," he shares. "I thought it was a very unique way to tell a story that was an interesting take on a biopic: not so straightforward. It was really their story together, how they kind of saved each other's lives in a lot of ways." Titled "Sharon," his script was featured on the 2018 Blacklist and was read by several producers and managers. While some might have expressed interest, the rock-n-roll romance story was written without Sharon or Ozzy's input or blessing. While both are public figures, telling their story justly would likely need their participation. Likewise, an Osbourne biopic would be nothing without Ozzy's music, and securing the licensing rights would add a hefty expense to the project. Varietyreported in 2021 that Sony's film will indeed include music from Black Sabbath as well as Ozzy's solo career. The Osbourne family and Polygram Entertainment, which previously produced scripted and unscripted projects like "The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?," "Beastie Boys Story," "The Go-Gos" and "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist," presumably facilitated the film's use of Ozzy's music. Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22 at the age of 76. The singer-songwriter was immensely popular over his fifty-five-year career, and his work has experienced a resurgence since his passing. His music is being listened to precipitously, "The Osbournes" clips are flooding social media and tributes to the artist are ubiquitous. Given that this coincides with Hollywood's penchant for musical biopics like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Elvis," "A Complete Unknown," and the upcoming Beatles tetralogy as a marketable subgenre, moving forward with an Ozzy film seems natural. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in August 2025 What's Coming to Netflix in August 2025 Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.
