Nick Jonas Reportedly Set to Portray Paul Stanley in KISS Biopic

The forthcoming KISS biopic has found an unexpected star, with Nick Jonas reportedly set to portray the band’s frontman, Paul Stanley.

Per a report from Deadline, Jonas is preparing to close a deal which will see him taking on the role of KISS’ vocalist and rhythm guitarist in Shout It Out Loud. The role will also reportedly see Jonas doing his own singing as he takes on cuts from the hard rock outfit’s celebrated back catalog.

The upcoming film will be directed by McG, with a screenplay written by Darren Lemke set to go into production towards the end of the year. Deadline also reports that the highly-anticipated role of bassist Gene Simmons is yet to be cast.

Though Jonas may seem like an intriguing choice given his role as a member of the decidedly more clean-cut and pop-rock focused Jonas Brothers, he’s been a constant presence in the world of stage and screen for over two decades. 

Alongside stage credits which include productions such as Hairspray, The Sound of Music, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Jonas has also appeared in films such as Goat, Midway, and the recent Jumanji franchise. He is also slated to appear alongside Paul Rudd in the forthcoming musical comedy Power Ballad.

The KISS biopic has been in the works since 2021, with manager Doc McGhee revealing in early 2023 that it would initially arrive the following year, with Shout It Out Loud reportedly set to focus on the group’s early period.

“It’s a biopic about the first four years of KISS,” McGhee explained. “We’re just starting it now. We’ve already sold it, it’s already done, we have a director, McG. That’s moving along and that’ll come in ’24.”

KISS first formed in New York City in 1973, with their self-titled debut arriving the following year. Their hard rock stylings and theatrical stage presence made them one of the most iconic bands of the era, with the group being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. 

The veteran group would perform their final show in December 2023 following their lengthy End of The Road tour, and are reportedly set to launch a digital avatar show in Las Vegas in 2027