5 Shocking Revelations About The Linda Ronstadt Biopic Starring Selena Gomez: What We Know In December 2025

The long-awaited biopic of rock and roll legend Linda Ronstadt is officially moving forward, and the internet is buzzing with the confirmed casting of global superstar Selena Gomez. As of December 2025, this highly-anticipated project—which promises to chronicle the dazzling, genre-defying career of one of music’s most versatile voices—is currently in pre-production, with key creative forces now attached and major details about the film's source material coming to light. This article breaks down the freshest, most critical updates about the film that will bring the story of the 11-time Grammy winner to the big screen.

The news is a massive development for both Selena Gomez’s acting career and the legacy of Linda Ronstadt, who personally approved the choice. The film, which is expected to be a deep dive into Ronstadt’s life from her Tucson, Arizona roots to her reign as the "Queen of Rock," is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about musical biopics since *Bohemian Rhapsody* and *Rocketman*.

Linda Ronstadt: A Biography of the Genre-Defying Icon

Linda Maria Ronstadt, born July 15, 1946, is a towering figure in American music, famous for her powerful voice and willingness to explore nearly every genre imaginable. Her career, spanning over four decades, positioned her as a true musical chameleon.

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• Full Name: Linda Maria Ronstadt
• Born: July 15, 1946, in Tucson, Arizona
• Career Span: Late 1960s to 2009 (Singing)
• Key Genres: Rock, Folk, Folk Rock, Country, Country Rock, Mariachi/Ranchera, Jazz, Operetta, Great American Songbook.
• Major Collaborations: The Eagles (whose members were her early backing band), Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris (as the trio The Trio), Neil Young, and countless others.
• Awards & Honors: 11-time Grammy Award winner, three American Music Awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2014), and a National Medal of Arts.
• Retirement: Ronstadt retired from singing in 2009 after losing the ability to control her voice. Her initial diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease was later corrected to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare, degenerative neurological disorder.

The A-List Team: Director, Producers, and Source Material

The success of any biopic rests on the talent behind the camera, and the Linda Ronstadt Biopic has assembled an undeniable A-list team. This collaboration signals the project’s seriousness and its potential to be a major awards contender.

The Acclaimed Director: David O. Russell

One of the biggest recent announcements is the attachment of Oscar-nominated filmmaker David O. Russell to direct the film. Russell is known for directing major dramas with strong performances, including *The Fighter*, *Silver Linings Playbook*, and *American Hustle*. His involvement immediately raises the film’s profile from an industry perspective, suggesting a focus on deep character development and dramatic storytelling rather than just a musical revue.

The Trusted Producers: Keach and Boylan

The film is being produced by James Keach and Ronstadt’s longtime manager, John Boylan. Keach is a veteran producer with experience in music-related projects, including the 2019 documentary *Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice*. Boylan’s direct involvement is particularly significant, as it ensures the project has the full authorization and input of Ronstadt’s own team, which is often a key factor in the authenticity and emotional depth of a celebrity biopic.

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The Source: 'Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir'

The screenplay for the film is based on Ronstadt’s 2013 autobiography, *Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir*. This memoir provides a rich, first-hand account of her life, from her early days in the folk scene to her explosive rise to stardom in the 1970s. The memoir’s focus is on her musical journey, her relationships with fellow musicians (like those who would form The Eagles), and her exploration of diverse musical styles, from Country Rock to traditional Ranchera music. The film is expected to follow this narrative arc closely, offering a comprehensive look at her incredible versatility.

Why Selena Gomez is the Perfect (and Controversial) Choice

The casting of Selena Gomez as Linda Ronstadt was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism, yet the reasons behind the choice are compelling and have the full endorsement of Ronstadt herself.

The Resemblance and Shared Heritage

Fans have quickly pointed out a striking physical resemblance between Gomez and Ronstadt in her younger years, particularly their shared dark features and Mexican-American heritage. Both women have roots in the Southwestern United States (Ronstadt in Arizona, Gomez in Texas) and have spoken about the influence of Latin music on their careers. This shared cultural background is a powerful element, especially given Ronstadt's pioneering work in bringing traditional Ranchera music to a wider American audience with albums like *Canciones de Mi Padre*.

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The Star Power and Acting Chops

While some critics question Gomez's vocal ability to match Ronstadt’s legendary four-octave range, her acting career has seen a massive resurgence and critical acclaim, particularly for her role in the hit series *Only Murders in the Building*. Her immense global star power guarantees that the biopic will reach a massive, younger audience who may be unfamiliar with Ronstadt’s legacy, fulfilling the goal of preserving her story for a new generation.

Gomez has expressed her profound respect for the music icon, posting a tribute to Ronstadt on her own social media, indicating a deep personal connection to the project. The film will likely focus on Gomez's ability to capture the essence and spirit of the young, ambitious Ronstadt, a challenge she is more than capable of handling under the direction of David O. Russell.

The Biopic’s Timeline and Anticipated Release Date

As of late December 2025, the Linda Ronstadt Biopic remains firmly in the pre-production phase. This means that while the core creative team (director, producers, and lead star) is attached, the full supporting cast, filming schedule, and official title are still unconfirmed.

Biopics, especially those with major stars and complex musical rights, often take time. Given that the film is still securing the full cast and finalizing the script, a 2026 production start is the most optimistic timeline. Therefore, fans should anticipate a potential Release Date sometime in Late 2027 or Early 2028. The anticipation, however, is building a powerful buzz, ensuring that when the film finally hits theaters, it will be a major cultural event celebrating the incredible life and music of Linda Ronstadt.