A new biographical series based on the life of Rick James is in the beginning stages of production.
Currently titled Super Freak, based on the musical icon’s 1981 hit single from Street Songs, the series will be written and produced by Randy McKinnon as well as Rick’s daughter Ty James, and writer Mike Sager. Sager had befriended the singer while profiling him for a Rolling Stone piece called The Rise and Fall of a Super Freak, and had remained close until Rick’s passing in 2004.
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Described as a mix of music biopic and true crime, the series will follow James’ life through his musical career, problems with drug addiction, and a legal battle in the early ‘90s that threatened to destroy not only his legacy but his life.
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"We are truly ecstatic about this new project with UCP and extremely excited to work with the writer Randy McKinnon," Ty said in a statement. "We are confident he can give the fans exactly what they have been waiting on, plus some. This will be a magic carpet ride, with ups and downs, joys and pain — a story of perseverance and tenacity, with the music being the greatest navigation system. Get ready for the ride of your lives — the story of James A. Johnson, AKA Rick James!"
There is currently no streaming service or network connected to the project.
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