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Shailene Woodley attends “Three Women” New York City Premiere on September 09, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for STARZ)© Dave Kotinsky

Shailene Woodley is ready to sing in new Janis Joplin biopic: 'We've been working on it for seven years'

"We have the outfits," she said about having access to clothes from the iconic era.


Daniel Neira
Daniel Neira - Los Angeles
Senior WriterLos Angeles
DECEMBER 3, 2024 3:07 PM EST

Shailene Woodley is ready to show off her singing skills in the upcoming Janis Joplin biopic. The Hollywood star has shared her excitement to be playing the legendary musician, admitting that she has been preparing for the role for years.

"We've been working on it for seven years now, and it's just — she's such a groovy chick, man. She really brought the light to this planet in a really singular way," the actress said to Jimmy Fallon during her special appearance on The Tonight Show. "We have the outfits," she said about having access to clothes from the iconic era. 

Shailene Woodley during an interview with Host Seth Meyers © NBC
Shailene Woodley during an interview with Host Seth Meyers

"She's incredible, and she's really pushed me to figure out how to find my own voice, because I'm like 'I can't sing like Janis,'" she said about working with music producer Linda Perry as part of her preparation to play Joplin. 

Janis Joplin in London. April 1969. © Mirrorpix
Janis Joplin in London. April 1969.

"[Perry] put me in a lot of uncomfortable situations where she was like, 'Show up here on this date,' [and it's] a massive empty warehouse with a full band. She's like 'have fun, sing some songs.' I was like 'I don't know how to sing anything — Christmas carols? What do I sing?'" she explained.'

Janis Joplin in London in a Mayfair mews in 1969. She was due to appear at the Royal Albert Hall. Monday April 27, 1969. © Mirrorpix
Janis Joplin in London in a Mayfair mews in 1969. She was due to appear at the Royal Albert Hall. Monday April 27, 1969.

She went on to say that preparing for the movie has "been so much fun to dive into her story," describing the opportunity to film in California as "such an amazing gift for this film," after the production received a tax credit from California allowing them to film in the state.

"I have a feeling Janis would be smiling ear to ear, zipping down the PCH in her psychedelic Porsche knowing her story is bringing opportunities and funding to the city and people that held so much significance to her,” the actress said in a statement.