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Musical Giants Unite: AR Rahman and Dave Stewart Collaborate on Shekhar Kapur’s ‘Ebony McQueen’


In a groundbreaking announcement for the global music and film industry, Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart and Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman will join forces for the upcoming feature film “Ebony McQueen”. Directed by the acclaimed Shekhar Kapur—known for cinematic masterpieces such as “Elizabeth” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It?”—this highly anticipated film promises to be a vibrant musical journey. The story draws its inspiration from Stewart’s own youth growing up in North East England during the transformative years of the 1960s and early 1970s, as first reported by Deadline.

“Ebony McQueen” aims to captivate audiences through a rich tapestry of musical expressions, with Stewart and Rahman working together to craft both the film’s score and soundtrack. This unique blend of talents will unfold in Sunderland, a city distinguished by its shipbuilding legacy. Although much of the old Sunderland has been altered by redevelopment, remaining locales will serve as the film’s historical backdrop, recreating the environment of Stewart’s formative years.

The storyline of “Ebony McQueen” has been adapted from Stewart’s 2022 autobiographical album of the same name. Stewart, along with co-writers Lorne Campbell, Selma Dimitrijević, and Peter Souter, encapsulates the personal and cultural metamorphosis the young Stewart experienced. His dream of becoming a professional soccer player was abruptly ended by a severe knee injury, a crisis that ultimately steered him toward a groundbreaking career in music. Stewart poignantly recalls this pivotal moment: “Music appeared as if by magic.”

Adding to the project’s credibility and star power, producer David Parfitt—renowned for his work on “Shakespeare in Love” and “The Father”—joins this creative endeavor. Parfitt, who also hails from Sunderland, has expressed immense enthusiasm about bringing such a personal and compelling story to life in his hometown. “We’re embarking on this adventure with a stellar team,” Parfitt noted with palpable excitement.

Playing the titular character in this evocative tale is the distinguished Sharon D.

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. Clarke, celebrated for her roles in “Death of a Salesman” and “Red, White & Royal Blue”. Clarke is set to portray Ebony McQueen, a bluesy, voodoo queen who will undoubtedly be a focal point in the film’s narrative arc. Her portrayal is expected to imbue the film with a sense of mysticism and depth, adding layers of complexity to Stewart’s coming-of-age story.

The cast also features the up-and-coming northern rocker Tom A. Smith, who will take on the role of Charlie McGarvey, a semi-autobiographical character representing Stewart’s younger self. With his roots in the same region, Smith’s involvement brings an additional layer of authenticity to the film.

“Ebony McQueen” will be produced by Dave Stewart’s company, Dave Stewart Entertainment, in collaboration with Trademark Films and David Jacobson. The production aims to capture the spirit of the late 1960s—a period marked by dramatic social and cultural upheavals. This momentous time not only shaped Stewart’s personal journey but also the evolution of his musical identity.

Set against the backdrop of Sunderland, the film is more than just a personal recounting; it’s a tribute to the era’s broader cultural revolutions. It explores the power of music as a transformative force, capable of altering destinies. Stewart’s experiences echo universal themes of loss, struggle, and eventual triumph, making “Ebony McQueen” a universally relatable tale.

The combined creative forces behind this project promise a rich, multi-layered cinematic experience. Shekhar Kapur’s directorial vision, Stewart’s personal narrative, Rahman’s unparalleled musical prowess, and an exceptional cast bring high expectations for “Ebony McQueen”. This collaboration signals a confluence of diverse artistic sensibilities that aim to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.

As the production of “Ebony McQueen” unfolds, industry experts and fans alike eagerly anticipate what is set to be a landmark film, blending music and storytelling into an unforgettable cinematic experience.

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