‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Director to Make Movie About Filipino Legend Arnel Pineda

“Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu is now in talks to helm the movie that chronicles the story of Arnel Pineda, a Filipino singer and songwriter who became the lead singer of iconic American rock band Journey.

Warner Bros, the studio behind the film, is now in negotiation to license original Journey music for the movie. The studio also acquired to the 2012 documentary about Pineda’s rise to fame titled “Don’t Stop Believing: Everyman’s Journey,” according to Deadline.

“The success of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ has blown my mind and set me on a path to champion more unique inspirational stories that represent new perspectives from all around the world,” Chu said in a statement to Deadline. “This story in particular has been on my mind since I first read about it years ago… An unlikely hero, an undeniable talent, the power of music and a worldwide stage (literally) has all the ingredients I love about movies. Plus I have been a fan of Journey’s music since I can remember. I am excited to be bringing the audience along on this incredible story with my partners at Warner Bros who have been a leading champion of diverse voices in front and behind the camera.”

Pineda’s story and rise to fame was inspiration not just for musicians who dream of singing alongside their idols one day, but to many others with aspirations that seem unlikely.

An obscure singer, Pineda was born in Tondo, Manila on Sept. 5, 1967. He started singing publicly at the age of 15, landing a gig at a Shakey’s Pizza Parlor in Manila; however, his break did not come until the day he was discovered by Journey co-founder Neal Schon Deadline.

Marty Bowen from Temple Hill Entertainment is set to produce while the studio continues its search for a writer.

Featured images via Instagram / arnelpineda2007

Share this Article