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Jack Lowden Cast As Morrissey In The Smiths Frontman Biopic

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TV’s ‘War and Peace’ actor Jack Lowden has been cast in the lead role of ‘Steven,’ a biopic of Steven Morrissey, notoriously outspoken frontman of groundbreaking British indie band The Smiths.

The film will be debut feature of director Mark Gill, who has also written the screenplay, whilst the producer is Orian Williams, who previously produced the Ian Curtis and Joy Division biopic ‘Control.’

Morrissey has long been equally revered and reviled for his miserabilist lyrics and outlandish stage presence, both as frontman of the iconic Manchester band from 1982 to 1987, and subsequently as a solo artist.

However, ‘Steven’ will reportedly focus on his early days prior to forming The Smiths with guitarist Johnny Marr, bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce.

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Calling the singer “a massive icon,” Lowden tells the Daily Mail, “He did a whole bunch of jobs while he figured out who he was. He came from a working-class background, and felt out of place there.

“He wanted to get out and escape into that explosion of music that was in Manchester around that time. It was exhilarating, and everyone was trying to find their place.”

Reportedly Lowden will sing some Smiths songs in the film, although it is unconfirmed as to whether or not the other members of the band will feature in the story.

The Smiths’ break-up was notoriously acrimonious, and the members of the band have repeatedly declined offers to reform in the decades since.

Picture Credit: WENN, Rough Trade Records/Warner Bros

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