Jake Scott will direct a screenplay by Ryan Jaffe.

The filmmakers hold a robust rights package that includes the exclusive rights to Buckley's music and personal archives; Buckley’s mother, Mary Guibert, serves as executive producer. Michelle Sy and Orian Williams are producing, with Alison Raykovich serving as associate producer.

The film, according to press notes, will "chronicle the life of Buckley, one of the most critically acclaimed musical artists of his time, who died tragically at age 30 in a drowning accident in Memphis, Tennessee’s Wolf River." Production will commence in New York and Memphis in November.

In a statement Guibert said, "We are over the moon that Reeve has agreed to take on this challenging role. I've seen him perform several times...he's been getting ready for this all his life. It certainly doesn't hurt that he looks so much like Jeff."

Director Scott added, "We are excited to have found in Reeve the perfect combination of musical prodigy, impish charm, innate intelligence & sensitivity to play Jeff."