The movie is expected to start production later this year or early next
Nick Jonas has been cast to portray Kiss frontman Paul Stanley in the highly-anticipated biopic, Shout It Out Loud. According to Deadline, the film’s production might be pushed to late 2025 or early 2026 to allow Jonas time to train for the vocal demands of the role. The director, McG, is reportedly “zeroing in on a star” for the role of Gene Simmons.
The biopic is expected to focus on the first four years of Kiss, highlighting the formation of the band and the early friendship between Stanley and Simmons, leading up to their rise to fame. Some reports suggest it will cover the period up to their 1975 album Alive! Darren Lamke has written the most recent draft of the script.
The film has been in development for several years, with reports of it being picked up by Netflix for a 2024 release. However, recent information indicates a potential shift in distributors and production timelines with STX Entertainment fully financing the movie in partnership with the band’s longtime label and publishing arm, Universal Music Group.
Mark Canton developed the project with Simmons, Stanley and manager Doc McGhee, alongside members Universal Music Group. Simmons, Stanley, McGhee, UMG’s Jody Gerson and David Blackman are among the producers and executive producers on the project. The Swedish-based Pophouse, which acquired the global rights to the Kiss music catalog, brand name, and likeness last year, will also produce.
It’s unclear when the film will be released.
As part of its partnership with Pophouse, the band will live forever as digital versions. The project, already underway, was previewed at the final Kiss show in Madison Square Garden in New York City on December 2, 2023, when, to the audience’s surprise, Kiss avatars closed the night with a rendition of “God Gave Rock And Roll To You,” resulting in international headlines. Through a magical combination of cutting-edge technology and unrivaled creativity, Pophouse will bring the full, authentic Kiss experience to existing and new fans for years to come. The avatar show is planned to launch in 2027.
This fall, Simmons, Stanley and lead guitarist Tommy Thayer will appear at the Kiss Army Storms Vegas experience, taking place November 14-16 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Kiss Army Storms Vegas will celebrate the Kiss Army’s 50th anniversary and the 30th anniversary of the first Kiss fan convention. Fans can expect exclusive Q&A sessions with members of the band, a unique panel with longtime manager Doc McGhee, a special live performance from former Kiss member Bruce Kulick, interactive activities, exclusive experiences, and even more.
