A highly anticipated Sinéad O’Connor biopic is currently in development, as confirmed by Variety. The film aims to chronicle the early life and illustrious career of the iconic Irish musician, who tragically passed away in 2023 at the age of 56. This cinematic project is spearheaded by the Irish production company ie: entertainment, known for their involvement in the critically acclaimed documentary “Nothing Compares,” which focused on O'Connor’s life and career.
Joining ie: entertainment in this exciting endeavor are fellow Irish production companies Nine Daughters, recognized for their work on films like “God’s Creatures” and “Lady Macbeth,” as well as See-Saw Films, which is known for projects such as “Slow Horses” and “The Power of the Dog.” Notably, Nine Daughters and See-Saw Films have collaborated previously on the film “Ammonite.” As of now, Variety has reached out to See-Saw Films for official confirmation but has yet to receive a response.
The biopic, which has reportedly been in development since the release of “Nothing Compares” in 2022, will be directed by Josephine Decker, recognized for her work on “Shirley.” The screenplay is penned by Irish writer Stacey Gregg. Production will be led by Nine Daughters founder Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly, alongside the Oscar-winning producers Iain Canning and Emile Sherman from See-Saw Films. Additional producers include Neil Chordia of Urban Hymn, while music industry heavyweight Tim Clark will serve as executive producer on behalf of ie: entertainment. The development of the film is being funded by BBC Film.
Sinéad O’Connor is celebrated as one of the most legendary figures in Irish cultural history, and she was a trailblazer for women worldwide. At the age of 23, she earned a Grammy Award for her sophomore album “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” which dominated the U.S. Billboard chart for six weeks in 1990. The album featured the hit single “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which became one of the best-selling songs of that year, garnering multiple global accolades including a Billboard Award and a Brit Award. O’Connor also made history by becoming the first woman to win MTV Video of the Year.
Aside from her musical achievements, Sinéad O’Connor was a passionate activist, often referred to as a “protest singer.” She utilized her platform to address significant issues such as sexism within the music industry and corruption in the Catholic Church. One of her most notable acts of protest occurred during a 1992 appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” where, at just 25 years old, she famously tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II, an act that sparked widespread controversy and condemnation.
The upcoming biopic will delve into O’Connor’s early life and her beginnings in the music industry. It aims to tell the inspiring story of how a young woman from Dublin rose to international fame, highlighting how her remarkable talent was intertwined with her courageous efforts to expose the injustices committed by the Catholic Church and the Irish state. The film promises to provide an intimate look at her life, career, and the profound impact she had on both music and society.
Full credits for the biopic include Josephine Decker as director, Stacey Gregg as writer, and producers Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly, Neil Chordia, Iain Canning, and Emile Sherman. This project represents a collaboration between See-Saw Films, Nine Daughters, and ie: entertainment. Additionally, Tim Clark will serve as executive producer, working alongside Simon Gillis from See-Saw Films and Kristin Irving, the commissioning executive from BBC Film.
