Sony Pictures Classic has acquired Miles Ahead, the Don Cheadle-starring biopic about “iconic singer” Miles Davis. No, the forthcoming film is not about another famous Miles Davis, nor does it imagine the musician in some alternative universe where he traded in his trumpet for the ability to sing. Nope, the truth is, Sony just has no idea who Miles Davis actually was.
At least that’s the impression many have concluded upon reading Sony’s official press release announcing its acquisition of Miles Ahead. “What Don Cheadle has done here with the spirit of Miles Davis is truly astounding. We are not only witnessing for the first time this part of Miles Davis’ story as it deserves to be told, but also the birth of a major film director who happens to portray the iconic singer in a jaw dropping performance,” says the studio in a statement.
Fret not fans of the jazz auteur; Miles Ahead was finished well before Sony got involved. The film not only stars Cheadle as Davis, but also marks the actor’s directorial debut. Originally funded through a crowd-sourcing campaign, Miles Ahead also stars Ewan McGregor as a Rolling Stone reporter and Emayatzy Corinealdi as Davis’ former wife, Frances. The plot centers on Davis’ temporary retirement and subsequent return to music in 1979.
Sony has yet to set a global release date for the film — after all, they’re currently Wikipediaing “Miles Davis” — but it’s expected to receive its premiere at the 53rd New York Film Festival in October.
Below, watch a short documentary about the film’s creative process.
