The project, currently titled Like a Stone, is being produced by Brad Pitt. While archival footage will be used to document Cornell’s life, other parts of the film will include actors portraying dramatized events. Drena De Niro, the adoptive daughter of actor Robert De Niro, will play the role of Cornell’s wife, Vicky.

 

You can see a side-by-side picture of MacDonald and Cornell, posted to Instagram by one of the film’s writers, above.

 

MacDonald's previous credits include the TV shows The Man in the High Castle and Twilight Zone. The actor seemingly has an affinity for rock stars, as IMDB lists films about the Rolling Stones, Motley Crue and Aerosmith among his upcoming projects. Meanwhile, Drena De Niro has previously appeared in a wide range of films, including A Star Is Born, Joy and The Intern.

 

Pitt was a longtime friend of Cornell's; the two shared mutual admiration for each other’s work. The Hollywood star admitted to being a “Chris Cornell addict” during a 2004 interview with Cinema Confidential, and would watch the rocker’s concerts as often as possible.

 

Pitt was reportedly “devastated and in shock” following Cornell’s death. He attended the grunge icon's funeral and also appeared at the "I Am the Highway" tribute show in 2017.

 

The real Vicky Cornell will co-produce the film alongside Pitt and movie veteran Peter Berg.

 

Cornell died in Detroit on May 18, 2017, after having performed with Soundgarden earlier that day. The 52-year-old’s death was ruled a suicide by hanging.