Opportunities will be explored
The Tom Petty Estate and Red Light Management have teamed with Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment to explore scripted and non-scripted film and TV opportunities. Few details have been disclosed. Deadline reports that discussions of a traditional biopic of the rock legend have “not been a point of conversation.”
Petty is among the best-selling musical artists of all time having sold more than 84 million records and performed to more than 140 million fans globally during his 40 year career. His music is nearing the five billion mark on streaming services. The Gainesville, Florida native was known for his solo work and with his longtime band The Heartbreakers.
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers rose to fame in the 1970’s with their hit “Breakdown” before climbing the charts with “Refugee,” “Don’t Do Me Like That” and more. Besides going solo in the late 80’s and releasing albums like Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers with songs such as “Runnin’ Down The Dream,” “Free Fallin’,” “I Won’t Back Down” and “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” Petty also recorded as part of The Traveling Wilburys with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne.
Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, and have collected three Grammy Awards and 18 nominations over the years, several for his solo efforts.
In October 2017, Petty died unexpectedly at the age of 66 due to an accidental overdose of fentanyl and oxycodone he was taking following a hip injury. Petty had wrapped the 40th anniversary tour The Heartbreakers, with three sold out hometown shows at the Hollywood Bowl a week prior. Petty was expecting to semi retire following the tour, but still planning to play concerts.
