BON SCOTT MOVIE IN THE WORKS

The film will tell a fictionalised version of the former AC/DC vocalist’s life.

Image via acdc.com

The life of rock and roll legend and former AC/DC frontman Bon Scott is getting the big screen treatment. Australian production companies HALO Films and Protocol Pictures are joining forces for a movie that will tell the story of Scott’s early years. According to the official HALO Films website, The Kid From Harvest Road is “a project that aims to capture the essence of Bon Scott's early life in Fremantle in a fictionalised narrative set in the 1960s.”

And for those wondering who will take on the role of Scott, your answer is up-and-coming Aussie star Lee Tiger Halley. The Fremantle actor is best known for his recent role in Netflix's limited series Boy Swallows Universe. In the critically acclaimed show, Halley plays Gus, the older brother of lead protagonist Eli Bell. 

Writer Stephen Belowsky and co-writer/director David Vincent Smith are helming the film. “I was truly inspired by his charismatic character, but what interested me most was his early, life not the caricature we all know on stage. The teen who walked the streets of Fremantle… this is a love letter to Fremantle and Bon reimagined through the eyes of the author,” Belowsky stated in a press release,

As Consequence of Sound reported, Halo Films Ian Hale also said, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey to illuminate the early years of Bon Scott. His story is one of resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of his dreams. Through this film, we aim to honour his legacy and inspire audiences with the transformative power of music and determination.”

News of the movie has caused quite a stir and led to the producers releasing a second press release stating that Kid From Harvest Road is not a biopic. The four-paragraph statement explains that the movie is a fictionalised account of Scott’s time growing up in Fremantle during the 60s and the people and events that influenced him. You can read the full statement below: 

“The producers behind The Kid From Harvest Road are incredibly humbled and grateful for the overwhelming media attention the recent announcement of the film’s development has garnered. The enthusiasm and support from audiences and media outlets alike reaffirm the belief in the power of storytelling.

“However, they are at pains to express that The Kid From Harvest Road is a project that aims to capture the essence of Bon Scott’s early life in Fremantle in a fictionalised narrative set in the 1960s. By drawing inspiration from the stories and atmosphere of the time period, rather than attempting a biopic, the film can offer a more imaginative exploration of Scott’s character and experiences.

“Focusing on his formative years in Fremantle allows for a deeper dive into the influences and events that shaped him as a person and ultimately as the iconic frontman of AC/DC. It also provides an opportunity to explore the cultural landscape of the time, including the burgeoning music scene and social dynamics of the era.

“Through careful storytelling and attention to detail, The Kid From Harvest Road can offer viewers a reimagined glimpse into the life of a young Bon Scott, while also capturing the spirit of the times in which he lived. It’s an approach that allows for creative interpretation while still honouring the essence of Scott’s journey.”

Production on The Kid From Harvest Road is set to begin in 2025.