May 04, 2016
Joe Manganiello, best known for acting in Magic Mike and True Blood, announced his latest role is a film centered around the Smiths, and has received former lead-singer Morrissey’s approval to utilize the band’s catalog.
Though Morrissey is no stranger to movie pitches (a biopic is also reportedly in the works), this upcoming film has a particularly interesting plot. Set to the title Shoplifters Of The World, the storyline follows an infamous crime scene from the 1980s. Though to this day there is only inconclusive evidence about whether or not it actually happened, the general belief is that a Smiths fan held a Denver radio station hostage at gunpoint upon hearing news of the band’s breakup in 1987. The incident also includes the fan forcing the station to play only Smiths songs, making the Morrissey’s allowance to use the soundtrack vital to making the film.
Manganiello will be starring as Mickey, one of the radio DJs, and on acquiring the Smith’s catalog shared: “Morrissey agreed to give us the catalogue for a nice, affordable fee. Well, it's not cheap, by any stretch of the imagination, but we have Morrissey's blessing to move forward with a the Smiths project.”
He continued, with eagerness over the role: “I'm a huge the Smiths fan. It’s just really great to be afforded the opportunity to go out and tell stories that I’m really excited and passionate about, like that one,” he continued.
Shoplifters of the World was written and will be directed by Stephan Kijak, who played a major role in acquiring Morrissey’s permission due to previous relations with the singer. No further details were released regarding release dates or additional cast members.
Image: Morrissey-Solo