Roy Orbison’s Estate Will Produce His Biopic

Roy Orbison’s legendary career and incredible life story are headed to Hollywood. The late rock icon’s three sons—Alex, Roy Jr., and Wesley—have teamed up with independent production company Compelling Pictures to create both a biopic and a documentary about their father.

The biopic, tentatively titled You Got It (named after Orbison’s 1988 comeback hit), won’t be a typical music-driven film. Instead, it will focus on the deep love story between Roy and his second wife, Barbara. According to an official announcement, the film is “a romance more than a traditional biopic,” promising to showcase not only his musical genius but also the resilience and devotion that defined his personal life.

Orbison’s sons will serve as co-producers of both projects through their Roy’s Boys production company, ensuring the films stay true to their father’s legacy.

A Love Story Beyond Music

Roy Orbison’s life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. After losing his first wife, Claudette, in a 1966 motorcycle accident and then his two eldest sons in a house fire two years later, Roy found love again with Barbara Jakobs, whom he married in 1969.

Barbara became much more than his wife—she was his biggest supporter and later his manager, helping guide his career resurgence in the 1980s. Sadly, Orbison passed away from a heart attack in 1988 at the age of 52, just as he was making a comeback. Barbara continued to honor his legacy until she passed away from cancer in 2011 at 61.

Producers Denis O’Sullivan (Bohemian Rhapsody, I Wanna Dance with Somebody) and Jeff Kalligheri (I Wanna Dance with Somebody) are on board for the project.

In a statement, Orbison’s sons shared their excitement:

“The Orbisons are elated to find the perfect partners in Compelling Pictures for the Roy Orbison biopic. Denis and Jeff’s vision for this journey through Roy’s life is incredible.”

Compelling Pictures also released a heartfelt message:

“Roy Orbison is a singular talent who holds a special place in our hearts, both as a favorite singer for ourselves and our loved ones, and also as a symbol of the incredible strength and resilience of the human spirit. It’s been an honor getting to know Wesley, Roy Jr., and Alex and their families, and we believe this unique love story between Roy and Barbara—rife with humor, tension, and emotion, all accentuated by these incredible songs—will reach the rafters like one of Roy’s impossible notes.”

Roy Orbison: The Voice That Defined an Era

One of the most distinctive and significant musicians in rock history, Roy Orbison is known for his hauntingly beautiful voice, characteristic sunglasses, and intensely emotional lyrics. His successful songs from 1960 to 1964 include “Only the Lonely (Know the Way I Feel),” “Crying,” “Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream),” “It’s Over,” and his chart-topping success “Running Scared” and “Oh, Pretty Woman.”

His music never died, even if his career took a hit following a personal tragedy. Covers of Don McLean’s “Crying” and Van Halen’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” helped popularize his sound in the 1980s. His music gained new attention after his song “In Dreams” was prominently featured in David Lynch’s 1986 cult classic Blue Velvet.

Bruce Springsteen, who acknowledged in his 1987 speech that Orbison’s music served as some inspiration for “Born to Run,” inducted Orbison into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The Comeback That Almost Was

In 1988, Roy joined the Traveling Wilburys, a supergroup that included George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne, just as his career was undergoing a significant renaissance. He was collaborating with some of the biggest names in rock on a new record that year.

Sadly, two months after the debut album by the Wilburys, Vol. 1. Orbison had a heart attack that killed him. In January 1989, his last record, Mystery Girl, was made available posthumously. His first Top-40 single in more than 20 years, “You Got It,” peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a tremendous hit.

Roy Orbison’s story will now be told to a much larger audience thanks to a new biography and documentary that are in the works.