Relax - Frankie Goes To Hollywood biopic in the works

Deadline reports that the ‘80s English pop band Frankie Goes to Hollywood will be next to get the biopic treatment. This announcement comes on the heels of the band's first reunion in 36 years. The film will be titled Relax after their 1983 smash hit.

The film will be written and helmed by Candyman (1992) director Bernard Rose, who also directed the band's “Relax” music video. Working Titles Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce with Luc Roeg from Independent Entertainment.

Relax will be based on the band’s lead singer, Holly Johnson’s memoir A Bone In My Flute. His story tells of his awkward childhood in Liverpool, all his years as a media icon, coming to terms with his AIDS diagnosis, and more. Additional band members include Paul Rutherford (backing vocals), Mark O'Toole (bass), Brian Nash (guitar), and Peter Gill (drums).

Callum Scott Howells, known for It’s a Sin, has been cast as Johnson in the film, which is headed to the Cannes Market and has already sparked a strong interest.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood Reunion 2023

In May 2023, Frankie Goes to Hollywood would perform together for the first time since 1987 at the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool. The band's final gig occurred at Wembley Arena after a reported group fight held backstage. They put their grievances aside to perform once again, and instead of playing one of their biggest hits, “Relax,” “Two Tribes,” or “The Power of Love,” the band opted to play Welcome to the “Pleasure Dome,” a number two hit from 1985.

Holly Johnson, Brian Nash, Peter Gill, Paul Rutherford, Mark O'Toole — The National Lottery's Big Eurovision Welcome Event | Shirlaine Forrest/GettyImages

Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s first album Welcome to the Pleasure Dome, will turn 40 in 2024. The album saw three songs reach number one on the UK Singles Charts. In 1985 they won the Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act. They would also receive nominations for a Grammy and MTV Music award for Best New Artist. The band would disband in 1987, soon after the release of their second album Liverpool.

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