Jean-Marc Vallée to Direct Film About John Lennon and Yoko Ono

Jean-Marc Vallée has set plans for his next film, which will tell the story of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s relationship. Deadline reports that the Dallas Buyers Club and Big Little Liars director removed himself from consideration for Bond 25 so that he could direct the film, which will be distributed by Universal Pictures.

There are still deals to be worked out, but Lennon’s music is expected to serve as the soundtrack to the movie. Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody) wrote the script for the film, which chronicles the high-profile relationship and marriage of the legendary musician and his wife. Vallée will do a final rewrite. The relationship will be chronicled up to, but not including, Lennon’s assassination in 1980 by Mark David Chapman.

Casting has yet to be announced for the film.

“We’ll have to make a deal for the music, but with Yoko producing with us, we’ll have access to the estate and the library of songs,” producer Michael De Luca said. “I’ve been listening to John’s songs forever, but as we developed the movie, I became aware of just how profound is the emotional impact of the music and their legacy is on me.”