Andre 3000 is set to play Jimi Hendrix in the upcoming movie "Jimi: All Is By My Side," centered around one important year in the guitarist's life, from 1966-1967. Following a preview of the film this past Sunday in L.A., the rapper took part in a panel discussion alongside the writer-director and the producer of "Jimi: All By My Side."
During the panel, Andre 3k spoke about getting ready for the role of Jimi Hendrix and how he had to loose twenty pounds, and learn to play guitar with his left hand. He also mentioned an interest in doing an OutKast film, although not a serious one but a "full comedy."
According to Rolling Stone the rapper said,"It would be great to make an Outkast movie right now, but instead of really serious, make it a full comedy — like Kevin Hart would play Big Boi." In terms of who would play Three Stacks, the artist opted for Leonardo DiCaprio-- "We should cast somebody stupid — like Leonardo [DiCaprio]."
When asked what he would seriously like to see in a film about the duo, Andre said, "Probably the importance of balance within the group. One of the biggest things that kills me is when people try to put Big Boi down."
Andre also recalled his preparation for the role of the legendary Jimi Hendrix. "To get that gait, to move in that way, I had to feel that way. I worked out twice a week, and ate just enough calories to keep myself going," Andre revealed. "Guitar training was strenuous because I’m a right-handed guitar-player. Left-handed is completely opposite. It’s like walking backwards."
"When you first start, you’re nervous. I remember the first Outkast shows I wouldn’t move at all," Andre said of the guitarist. "It takes you a minute to get comfortable in front of people. With Jimi, the story is about these two women that were in his life that really in so many ways helped make this guy. He didn’t have a lot of confidence in his voice. He actually didn’t want to be the frontman in a band. He just wanted to be the guitarist."
"Jimi: All By My Side" is slated to hit theatres on September 26th.