Dan Auerbach's Dr. John biopic not authorized by late musician's estate

The Dr. John Estate has issued a statement declaring that the upcoming Dan Auerbach-directed documentary about the late musician is unauthorized.

"The Official Estate of Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr., p/k/a Dr. John, clarifies that the Estate has not authorized the recently announced documentary on the life of Dr. John purportedly to be produced by Impact Artist Productions (and Management) and Radical Media," a statement posted to the Estate's website reads. "For clarity, Impact Artist Productions (and Management) does not manage or speak for the Estate, which has its own team with, as Mac would say, a gang and a half of legalizers."

"The Estate thanks Mac's fans for their support and assures that the Estate will 'Walk on Guilded Splinters' to deliver new music and an officially authorized documentary, to be announced In the Right Place at the right time," the statement continues, referencing several of the New Orleans icon and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer's songs.

Auerbach's film, which will mark the Black Keys frontman's directorial debut, was announced last week. In a statement, Auerbach said he was "thrilled" to tell Dr. John's story with the currently untitled film.

"From his mysterious voodoo stage persona Dr. John, to his real, humble self Mac Rebennack -- the street poet, the family man, the junkie, the Grammy award winner and all that's in between, this documentary will introduce the world to him in a way they haven't seen him before," Auerbach said.

Dr. John died in 2019 at age 77. His penultimate studio album, 2012's Locked Down, was produced by Auerbach.

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