New B.B. King Biopic
B.B. King Biopic In Works From Canton Entertainment, Vassal Benford & The B.B. King Music Company
A monumental new chapter in the preservation of B.B. King’s legacy has officially begun.
Canton Entertainment — the powerhouse production company led by Mark Canton and Dorothy Canton — is partnering with Vassal Benford and The B.B. King Music Company & Estate to develop LUCILLE, the first and only authorized feature film chronicling the life, music, and global influence of the King of the Blues.
This marks the first time a B.B. King biopic has been formally approved by his estate, ensuring the story of Riley B. King is told with truth, dignity, accuracy, and the full support of those who knew him best.
A Partnership of Hollywood Heavyweights and B.B. King’s Inner Circle
The film is being produced with an impressive roster of industry leaders and creative partners:
Mark Canton, legendary producer known for New Jack City, Purple Rain, 300, Power
Dorothy Canton, veteran producer with a focus on prestige storytelling
Vassal Benford, Grammy-winning hitmaker and Chairman of The B.B. King Music Company & Estate
Raphael Jackson Jr. & Damione Macedon, showrunners of the upcoming Starz boxing series Fightland from Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s G-Unit
Written Blvd. (Executive Producers)
Exemplar Media (Executive Producers)
Worldwide Entertainment (Executive Producers)
Stokes Entertainment (Executive Producers)
Karley Ferlic, Director of Development at Canton Entertainment (Co-Producer)
This coalition of top producers, executives, and storytellers solidifies LUCILLE as a major Hollywood motion picture, not an independent or unauthorized attempt.
A Story Spanning Poverty, Brilliance, and Iconic Collaboration
LUCILLE will follow B.B. King’s extraordinary rise from the cotton fields of Mississippi to becoming one of the most influential musicians in history — an artist who defined the blues for generations and inspired countless legends across genres.
The film will spotlight King’s transformative collaborations with:
Eric Clapton
U2
The Rolling Stones
Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)
Carlos Santana
and more icons of rock, soul, and blues
These partnerships helped bring the blues to millions around the world and cemented B.B. King’s status as an international superstar.
At the center of the film is the emotional, lifelong relationship between B.B. King and his beloved Gibson guitar: Lucille.
Born from a near-death experience and a burning dance hall, Lucille became his voice, his anchor, and the conduit for every ounce of truth that flowed through his music.
A Film Rooted in Truth, Promise, and Perfection
“I’ve had the privilege of working on transformative, music-driven films throughout my career — from New Jack City to Purple Rain to KISS,” says producer Mark Canton.
“But there is no greater story of triumph and aspiration than that of B.B. King. I’m humbled to help bring it to life.”
Echoing that sentiment, Dorothy Canton adds:
“‘LUCILLE’ is more than a biopic — it’s a tribute to every kid who ever found hope in music. It’s a story of resilience, genius, and grace. It is an honor to help bring this extraordinary story to audiences everywhere.”
For Vassal Benford, this film is deeply personal:
“I promised Mr. King in 2014 that we would tell his truth with the same perfection he demanded every time he held Lucille. With Dorothy, Mark, Raphael, and Damione, that promise is now becoming a major motion picture of the highest caliber.”
A Team with Global Reach and Proven Success
Canton Entertainment’s track record spans blockbuster franchises and culture-shaping series. Their recent projects include:
Red Sonja
The Strangers (Lionsgate’s horror trilogy)
Dracula: The Love Tale (Luc Besson; starring Caleb Landry Jones & Christoph Waltz)
Shout It Out Loud, the highly anticipated KISS biopic directed by McG
Vassal Benford’s resume is equally expansive:
Over 70 platinum records
Hundreds of millions in revenue across music & film
2024 Grammy Award (R&B Album of the Year for Chris Brown’s 11:11)
Produced a platinum hit with NBA YoungBoy this year
Collaborations with Jennifer Lopez, Michael Bublé, Jason Derulo, Justin Bieber, Toni Braxton, Diplo, David Guetta, Quavo, Mariah Carey, and more
Former Vice President of Motown Records
Joint venture with Clive Davis at Arista, where he discovered and signed Deborah Cox
Executive producer of the After film series (over $300 million global box office; top-performing titles on Netflix)
This collection of star power ensures LUCILLE has the pedigree, resources, and global reach to honor B.B. King at the highest level.
A Defining Film for the B.B. King Centennial Era
Entering the heart of the B.B. King 100-Year Celebration (1925–2025), this biopic arrives at the perfect moment — when B.B. King’s influence is being rediscovered, restored, and elevated around the world.
Alongside the new archival releases, Kings’ Crossing bridge dedication, global honors, and centennial events, LUCILLE stands as the cinematic centerpiece of a historic year for the King of the Blues.
This is more than a film.
This is a legacy set in motion.