'Lucille' Is On the Way — The Authorized B.B. King Biopic Promises To Celebrate The Man, The Music, And The Legend
A first-of-its-kind authorized film aims to honor B.B. King’s journey from the Mississippi Delta to global stardom, with his iconic guitar at the heart of the story.
A long-awaited tribute to one of the greatest blues icons of all time is on the way. The film Lucille — the first authorized feature about B.B. King — is officially in development and promises to chronicle his extraordinary rise, capturing both the man behind the music and the cultural impact he left behind.
Producers Mark Canton and Vassal Benford are leading the project in partnership with the B.B. King Estate, making authenticity a cornerstone of the film. The biopic has attracted a wide collection of seasoned executive producers, signaling that Lucille is being crafted with the kind of care and scale befitting a man whose influence shaped American music forever.
The film will explore King’s life from his childhood in Mississippi to his evolution into a world-renowned artist whose voice and guitar work redefined the blues. Central to the narrative is “Lucille,” King’s beloved Gibson guitar, which became an extension of his soul and creativity. The movie will not only tell King’s life story, but also the story of the bond between musician and instrument — a connection that helped shape some of the most timeless performances ever recorded.
Producers have described the film as a story of perseverance, triumph, and deep-rooted aspiration. The involvement of King’s estate ensures the portrayal will be grounded in truth, honoring both his personal journey and his towering artistic legacy. After years of promises to bring King’s real story to the screen, Lucille finally delivers the opportunity to celebrate his centennial era with the cinematic tribute he deserves.
For lifelong fans, the biopic represents a chance to revisit the emotional power of King’s music. For new audiences, it’s a way to understand how a young man from the Delta became a global symbol of resilience, artistry, and the enduring spirit of the blues. If handled with the passion and respect promised, Lucille could become the definitive portrayal of a legend whose influence continues to echo across generations.
— REAVES // @wildreaves