Red Hot Chili Peppers Frontman Anthony Kiedis’ Memoir Optioned by Universal for Film Project

Universal Pictures has optioned the rights to Anthony Kiedis’ 2004 memoir, Scar Tissue, for a feature film project, Billboard has confirmed with the studio.

Deadline was first to report the news.

Scar Tissue, which became a New York Times bestseller on release, is described as a candid account of Kiedis’ life, including his role as lead singer and lyricist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and his struggles with addiction. The book “contains a deeply unconventional father & son story set against a substance-fueled 70s & 80s LA punk scene,” according to language sent by the studio.

The project will be produced by Brian Grazer through his Imagine Entertainment, along with Kiedis and his manager, Guy Oseary. Jay Polidoro, executive vp of production development at Universal Pictures, will oversee the project for the studio. 

Born in Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1962, Kiedis moved to Los Angeles at age 12. In 1983, he co-founded the Red Hot Chili Peppers alongside guitarist Hillel Slovak, bassist Flea (Michael Balzary) and drummer Jack Irons. The band built a dedicated following before blasting to superstardom with the release of its fourth album, the seven-times platinum Blood Sugar Sex Magik, in 1991. The Chili Peppers has released a total of 13 studio albums to date, including 2022’s Return of the Dream Canteen, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

In addition to its recorded output, the Chili Peppers remains a powerhouse on the touring circuit. The band finished ninth on the list of 2023’s biggest rock tours (and 23rd on the all-genre ranking) with a total gross of $77.2 million and 657,000 tickets from 18 shows on its Unlimited Love tour. The group is slated to hit the road again on May 28 for a new round of dates, including a headlining slot at Bonnaroo in June. The band’s current lineup comprises Kiedis, Flea, drummer Chad Smith and guitarist John Frusciante.

Kiedis is represented by CAA, Oseary and Eric Greenspan at Myman Greenspan Fineman Fox Rosenberg & Light.