Ozzy Osbourne has long been a screen star as well as a hard rock icon, and fans are now clamouring for a biopic about the Black Sabbath frontman following the sad news of his death
Music icon Ozzy Osbourne possessed a distinctive brand of humour that captivated his fans – which is just one of the reasons behind the outpouring of love for him upon his death.
The Prince of Darkness, who passed away aged 76 yesterday (Tuesday, July 22) was beloved as Black Sabbath’s lead singer, and through his individual musical endeavours. But he was equally known for his irreverent humour and unique personality.
Never more was that on display than during an interview back in 2010. By then, the legendary frontman was equal parts musician and reality TV star.
Ozzy starred in the groundbreaking MTV reality series ‘The Osbournes’ throughout the early 2000s, when his particular style of comedy became evident to broader viewers for the first time. He appeared with his offspring, Jack and Kelly, in other projects later in his life, including Ozzy and Jack’s World Detour, and alongside wife Sharon and Jack in The Osbournes Want to Believe.
His remarkable journey has been documented in several films, including The Nine Lives of Ozzy Osbourne, which was broadcast on BBC Four in 2021. And now, supporters are demanding a biographical film to honour his legendary status.
They may have their wish granted, as revealed by his son Jack. He disclosed that a biopic is “on the way”, with a “phenomenal” filmmaker attached and a screenplay revision in progress.
Jack maintains the picture would be “raw” and declared “we are not pulling any punches”. But the most pressing question on everybody’s mind is simple.
Who would take on the starring part and the demanding task of depicting a heavy metal legend of Ozzy’s magnitude?
Some devoted fans have noticed that Ozzy had already identified his preferred candidate to portray him in a film about his existence. During a chat back in 2010, well before his death, Ozzy was posed the question.
During an appearance on The Nerdist podcast, host Chris Hardwick asked him: “Who would you pick to play you in a movie about your life?”
True to form, Ozzy delivered a characteristically blunt two-word response. The Black Sabbath frontman simply answered: “Denzel Washington”.
Now converted into a meme that has gone viral across social media following Ozzy’s passing, supporters hail the moment as a perfect example of the rocker’s trademark wit. Lovers of Ozzy’s work have now called for the American actor to somehow appear in the forthcoming biographical film.
Taking to Instagram, one fan commented: “Hopefully Someone who is probably working on the Ozzy biopic just needs to make this happen (or maybe put Denzel in a post credit scene where he’s singing Crazy Train or War Pigs in costume).”
A second person declared: “Don’t go against a dead man’s wish, make it happen.” Meanwhile, another suggested: “Netflix getting ideas right now”.