Some lives are so interesting, they deserve to be lived twice: once for real and once on the silver screen.
Offering fans the chance to enjoy even more insight into the lives and careers of their favourite stars, the fascinating stories of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and more will be laid bare in a handful of biopics set for release next year.
Nineties headline-grabbers Anderson and Lee are set to be portrayed by Lily James and Sebastian Stan, while the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, hand-picked Jennifer Hudson to play her in the film of her life, Respect. The search is still on for the actors talented enough to play Madonna and Boy George – and rock 'n' roll enough to play Lemmy Kilmister.
Here are 12 biopics to look forward to in 2021 …
Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee
Played by: Lily James and Sebastian Stan
British Rebecca actress Lily James and Avengers actor Sebastian Stan are set to play one of the most scandalous couples of the 1990s – Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee.
The eight-episode miniseries from Hulu called Pam & Tommy will follow the headline-making antics of the Baywatch star and her Motley Crue drummer husband, who famously married after just four days of dating. Seth Rogan is also set to star.
Whitney Houston
Played by: Naomi Ackie
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker star Naomi Ackie will be bringing the life of Whitney Houston to the big screen in biopic, I Wanna Dance with Somebody. Following the celebrated singer's life from her beginnings singing in a church choir to her tragic death in 2012, it will be written by the Oscar-nominated screenwriter of The Theory of Everything, Anthony McCarten.
“Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process,” said director Stella Meghie. “I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life.”
Elvis Presley
Played by: Austin Butler
In an as-yet-untitled biopic, California-born actor Austin Butler will take on the mantle of playing the King of Rock 'n' Roll himself, Elvis Presley. The biopic, which is being directed by Romeo & Juliet's Baz Luhrmann, will cover Presley's rise to fame to become the biggest star in the world – told through the lens of his complicated relationship with his manager for more than 20 years, Colonel Tom Parker. Tom Hanks is set to play Parker.
Bob Dylan
Played by: Timothee Chalamet
Cinema’s current darling, Timothee Chalamet, will portray legendary folk singer Bob Dylan in an as-yet-untitled biopic due in 2021. The film will take place during 1965, when Dylan controversially switched to using an electric guitar, leading to the famous “Traitor” accusations. The film had begun shooting this year, but production was put on hold due to Covid-19.
Aretha Franklin
Played by: Jennifer Hudson
Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson will portray Aretha Franklin after the Queen of Soul herself hand-picked the actress and singer to play her before she passed away in August 2018. Titled what else, but Respect, the biopic follows her life from being a child singing in her father's church choir to international superstardom.
Boy George
The British singer, DJ and former Culture Club frontman is getting the biopic treatment, which will be written by Anvil: The Story of Anvil writer, Sacha Gervasi. Following his early years born into a working class Irish family and raised in Woolwich, South London, the film will follow his rise to the top of the pop charts in the 1980s. Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner, who played Sansa Stark, has expressed an interest in playing the frontman.
Teddy Pendergrass
Played by: Tyrese Gibson
Grammy-nominee and Fast & Furious actor Tyrese Gibson will be bringing the life of RnB singer Teddy Pendergrass to the big screen.
“I am honoured to take this journey ... This is the role that I feel I was born to play,” said Gibson. “Teddy Pendergrass embraced me and before he passed, put the responsibility on my shoulders to tell his story … Teddy, I just hope we make you, your wife and family proud ... Here we go!”
Gucci Mane
The American rapper and pioneer of trap music is producing his own biopic based on his book, The Autobiography of Gucci Mane. The musician, whose real name is Radric Delantic Davis, has yet to choose who will play him in the story which begins with his life in prison, where he started his career by releasing mixtapes while incarcerated.
Celine Dion
Although this isn't technically a biopic, the film Aline is based on the life and music of French-Canadian singer Celine Dion. Set for release in March 2021, the film is directed by and stars French actress Valerie Lemercier who plays Aline. The character is inspired by Dion, with Aline discovered as a major singing talent, becoming a global superstar and tragically losing her husband.
Madonna
The Material Girl has enlisted Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody to write a biopic about her life, with plenty of input from Madonna as co-writer. Still as-yet-untitled, the story will follow Madonna's rise to stardom, as well as the effect she's had on shaping the cultural and musical landscape. Madonna's long-time manager Guy Oseary will executive producer.
Lemmy Kilmister
The legendary Motorhead frontman, who died in 2015, is getting the biopic treatment courtesy of Greg Olliver, who spent several years with the band for his 2010 documentary, Lemmy. Production is slated to begin in early 2021 on the film which will follow Kilmister's early life growing up in England, as well as his time as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix, and the five years he spent with rock band Hawkwind before he founded Motorhead.
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THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
THE SPECS
Engine: six-litre W12 twin-turbo
Transmission: eight-speed dual clutch auto
Power: 626bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Price: Dh940,160 (plus VAT)
On sale: Q1 2020
Day 4, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage appeared to have been hard done by when he had his dismissal of Sami Aslam chalked off for a no-ball. Replays suggested he had not overstepped. No matter. Two balls later, the exact same combination – Gamage the bowler and Kusal Mendis at second slip – combined again to send Aslam back.
Stat of the day Haris Sohail took three wickets for one run in the only over he bowled, to end the Sri Lanka second innings in a hurry. That was as many as he had managed in total in his 10-year, 58-match first-class career to date. It was also the first time a bowler had taken three wickets having bowled just one over in an innings in Tests.
The verdict Just 119 more and with five wickets remaining seems like a perfectly attainable target for Pakistan. Factor in the fact the pitch is worn, is turning prodigiously, and that Sri Lanka’s seam bowlers have also been finding the strip to their liking, it is apparent the task is still a tough one. Still, though, thanks to Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed, it is possible.
The lowdown
Badla
Rating: 2.5/5
Produced by: Red Chillies, Azure Entertainment
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Amrita Singh, Tony Luke
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
'Ghostbusters: From Beyond'
Director: Jason Reitman
Starring: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace
Rating: 2/5
Mane points for safe home colouring
- Natural and grey hair takes colour differently than chemically treated hair
- Taking hair from a dark to a light colour should involve a slow transition through warmer stages of colour
- When choosing a colour (especially a lighter tone), allow for a natural lift of warmth
- Most modern hair colours are technique-based, in that they require a confident hand and taught skills
- If you decide to be brave and go for it, seek professional advice and use a semi-permanent colour
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Teaching in coronavirus times
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
'The Batman'
Stars:Robert Pattinson
Director:Matt Reeves
Rating: 5/5
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Valencia v Atletico Madrid (midnight)
Mallorca v Alaves (4pm)
Barcelona v Getafe (7pm)
Villarreal v Levante (9.30pm)
Sunday
Granada v Real Volladolid (midnight)
Sevilla v Espanyol (3pm)
Leganes v Real Betis (5pm)
Eibar v Real Sociedad (7pm)
Athletic Bilbao v Osasuna (9.30pm)
Monday
Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (midnight)
MATCH INFO
Burnley 0
Man City 3
Raheem Sterling 35', 49'
Ferran Torres 65'
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
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