Even before acclaimed singer Jeff Buckley's tragic death at the age of 30, there was a certain undefinable mystique about the artist and his music that created a fanatical devotion among his fans.
So when it was announced that there would be a big screen Hollywood biopic about his life, many Buckley followers were happy that a new generation would be introduced to his timeless singing.
Just one thing: Buckley's singing may not actually be in the movie.
According to indieWire, actor Reeve Carney won't just be portraying Buckley in the upcoming untitled biopic -- he'll actually be singing all the songs himself. Holy schnikes.
Of course, actors doing their own singing in films is nothing new (see: Joaquin Phoenix in "Walk the Line," for instance) and it does help avoid the annoyance of Obvious Lipsynch Syndrome. But while Jeff Buckley is an indie music legend, his songs and singing aren't quite as world famous as those of Johnny Cash, which leaves some fans worried that Carney may not be able to fully convey the power of Buckley's music to viewers who aren't already on board.
It's a fear that Carney, who has plenty of experience singing on Broadway in musicals like "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark," doesn't seem to share.
"I was thrilled to be involved in something that tells Jeff’s story and focus on his life," Carney said. " And being able to sing his songs... I love Jeff's songs, so I was really happy to be a part of a film that showcases his music."
"I think we’re all on the same page in wanting to make something that honors Jeff’s life and his legacy," he added. "There’s something about Jeff—there’s so much mystery surrounding his existence. He just had this… mystic quality, that’s similar to what James Dean had."
So what do you guys think? Good idea? Bad idea? Personally we're withholding judgment until we hear Carney's versions, but we have to give the actor props for taking a big risk. And that's something we think Buckley would have certainly appreciated.
