American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars is being lined up to play Prince in a movie about the musician’s life.
The Just The Way You Are singer has reportedly been approached about portraying the Purple Rain legend, for a Netflix biopic.
Mars, who’s currently 32 years old, is said to be a huge Prince fan and gave a sublime tribute performance when he sang Purple Rain at last year’s Grammy awards in America.
According to the Mirror, a Netflix movie source said:
Bruno says it will probably be the most nerve-racking move of his career if it happens.
Prince was one of his idols so to be asked to take on a hefty role like that especially as a debut acting move is full-on.
The offer has come out of the blue. Bruno used to love acting when he was younger but it’s not an avenue he’s explored.
The iconic Prince died at the age of 57 of what was deemed n accidental overdose back in 2016.
The singer was found at his Paisley Park compound in Minneapolis, in the early hours of the morning on April 21.
Prior to his death, he’d been hospitalised for a number of days, with flu-like symptoms.
The legendary guitarist and vocalist had allegedly been suffering from illness for several weeks, but was thought to be recovering before his flight was diverted to Quad City International Airport in Moline, Illinois.
A statement from Prince’s publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, at the time read:
It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson, has died at his Paisley Park residence this morning at the age of 57.
As testament to the reach of his art, social media was flooded with moving tributes:
Long live the Prince. Thank you for the magic you bestowed upon my eyes & ears. The best live show ever witnessed. pic.twitter.com/3ZgxpsLoyk
— Allen Stone (@allen_stone) April 21, 2016
Purple Rain, become Purple tears.
One more legend that says goodbye…
RIP Prince pic.twitter.com/rxG9N25fwh— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) April 21, 2016
Prince #rip You were my favorite. I hope we party together some day! Give em hell in the afterlife. #letsgocrazy pic.twitter.com/l4V4JNML23
— Kellin Quinn (@Kellinquinn) April 21, 2016
Saddened to hear of the death of Prince. "Rock Star" and "Legend" are often overused, but, neither one is good enough to describe him. RIP
— Chris (@ChrisABiersack) April 21, 2016
American royalty has died today. #prince #rip
— Steve Howey (@stevehowey) April 21, 2016
If Mars does land the role then he has very big shoes to fill.