Check That: TWO Movies About the Life of George Jones Are Being Made Simultaneously
This story has been updated.
Well well well. The story of the upcoming movie on the life of George Jones has just become a lot more interesting, and has just multiplied.
We already knew that George Jones’ widow Nancy Jones was making a movie entitled No Show Jones about George’s life, and that 28 Entertainment out of Los Angeles was producing the film, and Alan Wenkus, known most recently for being the writer and researcher for the music biopic Straight Outta Compton, was writing the film. This information was announced in May of 2015 to the delight of George Jones fans.
Then earlier this week, actor Josh Brolin was on Conan and said that he would be playing George Jones in an upcoming movie about the country legend. I have a bit of a past and when they were trying to figure out who might be best able to best play George Jones, they thought, ‘What about Brolin? Who’s been to jail in the last 10 years? Let’s pick Brolin!” he said to Conan. “I’m gonna do that with Jessica Chastain, who is gonna play Tammy Wynette. She’s amazing”¦ It’s gonna be a lot of fun.”
So of course we all assumed that the movie Josh Brolin was talking about (and since he offered no clarification) was the same one Nancy Jones and 28 Entertainment were behind, right? I mean, we’re not making two George Jones biopics, are we?
Wrong, we are.
As No Show Jones moves forward with pre-production, so does a completely different movie, potentially a rival movie if you want to look at it that way, being made by the daughter of George Jones, Georgette Jones. Georgette was the only daughter between George Jones and Tammy Wynette during their brief, but high-profile marriage.
“Nancy is making a movie and I’m sure it will be good, but I’m also making a movie,” Georgette said late Friday (2-5) evening. “The media keeps getting confused. My movie is about my Mom and Daddy. Hers is only about Daddy and titled ‘No Show Jones’. My movie has no title yet, but Josh Brolin (who my Daddy wanted) is playing my Daddy and Jessica Chastain is playing Mom. I’m very excited and will update you more asap.”
Josh Brolin is also working in a production role on the Georgette-helmed movie. This was revealed to The Independent back in August.
No word on when either movie is looking to be released, but it appears George Jones fans will be getting a double shot of one of their favorite singers on the silver screen very soon.
February 6, 2016 @ 11:39 am
Looks like all you “Jim Carrey would make a great George Jones” folks still have hope.
February 6, 2016 @ 12:28 pm
This has been heated for a while and glad some news is finally coming to light. Nancy saved Georges life and career and should be praised for doing so, however I think she was consumed in money and fame especially later in Georges life and after his death. As the most die hard Jones fan, he should not have been touring the last 3-4 years of his life, especially the last year. He literally went off the road and into a hospital to die. Nancy clearly put George up to the video discussing his and Georgettes relationship in the online video. Georges kids weren’t allowed to sit in the front at the funeral and weren’t invited to the tribute concert at Bridgestone.
The truly sad aspect of this whole situation is George Jones is bar none the greatest male vocalist in country music history, and the argument can also be made Tammy was one of the best female vocalists as well. George was taken advantage of most of his life, much of which was self inflicted with bad decisions. Tammy was taken advantage of later in life and in death. Georgette ended up with basically nothing in the whole ordeal.
February 7, 2016 @ 8:09 am
I was at the Nashville tribute concert at Bridgestone.
To me, it did seem more like a Nancy Jones tribute than it was a George Jones tribute.
April 14, 2016 @ 9:12 pm
I was at the George Jones tribute concert. I had purchased the V.I.P. package before George passed when it was his farewell concert. Since I was a “V.I.P.” I was backstage and got to shake hands with Nancy, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood. I got to exchange a few words with Nancy and she comes across as a very lovely women. Us V.I.P.’s also got to mingle the room backstage and eat BBQ rib tips off paper plate while standing. Most expensive lunch I’ve ever had lol. The reason why I mentioned it was I ate my rib tips at the same stand up table as Georgette’s twin boys, so while their Mom wasn’t there her sons were.
February 6, 2016 @ 12:37 pm
I don’t know about Nancy’s movie, but Georgette hit an absolute homerun getting Josh Brolin and Jessica Chastain for the leads in hers. You can’t hardly find two better actors and that is huge when making a movie. It instantly gives the movie huge credibility. I wonder which version will give the most accurate portrayal and which one could tend to sugarcoat things a little bit? Hopefully both will give accurate portrayals of different periods, but there is no doubt they will have to encompass the same time. You can’t have a George Jone movie without going through the Tammy Wynette era and then ending with how he turned things around.
February 6, 2016 @ 12:49 pm
I have to comment here….Most of what you said is true, especially, about Nancy Jones being a greedy, money oriented person, more often referred to as a gold digger….which she was from day one. I have talked to people who were THERE back when she first met George Jones. The story she tells is not even close to truth. She also harassed and acted like a jealous teenager towards one of George’s other girl friends who ended her relationship with him because she did not want to see him die from his addictions. And, there, is another point…..Nancy did NOT save George Jones life and his carer. HE DID. Anyone who knows anything about addiction knows the ADDICT is the one who makes the ultimate CHOICE and does the work needed to get clean. She did NOT do that. He did. I know he gave her credit which is not uncommon for an older man who was controlled and manipulated by a younger woman, to do. Bottom line….Nancy is all about cashing in on anything she can possibly do to keep the money flowing so she can continue to live the life she has been accustomed to. Georgette, on the other, hand is all about preserving her parents legacy. She lives a humble life and until beginning her own music career worked for 17 years as a nurse. She is a sweetheart and the best of both of her parents. I know which movie I will see and you can be guaranteed it won’t be Nancy’s. Anyone who considers going to put money in that woman’s pocket ask yourself the following: 1) What kind of CHRISTIAN (which she claims to be) would not allow a man’s children to sit up front in their rightful place at his funeral? 2) What kind of low class narcissist would have THEIR picture taken with every celebrity who came to pay respects at George Jones wake and then post them online? This is a no brainer folks……..at least for this family.. We will NOT be viewing Nancy’s movie.
February 6, 2016 @ 12:54 pm
By the way TRUTH5…who are you? No one else is hiding behind a user name.
February 6, 2016 @ 2:56 pm
Users can use aliases if they choose. As long as they’re not impersonating someone (unless it is an obvious parody), it is allowed, accepted, and commonplace on the internet off of Facebook.
February 7, 2016 @ 1:59 pm
Most people are, actually. Nice try, Vicki
….IF THAT IS YOUR REAL NAME
February 6, 2017 @ 5:26 pm
Yes JohnWayne Twitty that s my real name. And I am good friend with Kathy Twitty , daughter of Conway…..I guess you are a part of that family? Hmmmmm never heard your name mentioned.
February 6, 2016 @ 1:10 pm
But is Josh Brolin a southerner?
I kid, I kid.
February 6, 2016 @ 1:24 pm
If these people are gonna resort to being ugly with each other, than I’m just flat out not gonna support either movie. That’s it.
February 8, 2016 @ 10:48 am
I agree, but I’m not seeing that at all with respect to the movies. Georgette was complementary in her Facebook post when referencing Nancy’s movie; I haven’t seen anything from Nancy yet, but I’ll withhold judgment until I do.
Frankly, there’s plenty of ground to cover in the man’s life to make a half-dozen unique films and still leave fans wanting more.
February 6, 2016 @ 2:06 pm
First off for this site to assume that Georgette did this to get back at Nancy or something is complete and utter rubbish. This is like a National Enquirer article. Smdh. Georgette has always talked about a movie combining the likes of BOTH of her parents. After all, she is their daughter. She IS Country Royalty. Unlike some people. There were NO Problems here whatsoever. So why are you stirring the pot and creating one? What a low blow. Why can’t we just remember Jones? You can’t have George Jones without Tammy Wynette. They were magic. Two souls who truly loved one another even after their Divorce. Jones Loved Tammy to the grave & vice versa.
February 6, 2016 @ 3:26 pm
This site did not assume that Georgette is making this movie to get back at Nancy, you did. I did not say or imply any such thing. And frankly, the raised voices, pointed fingers, and wild accusations being made against the “media” with this issue are deflecting from the true story, which is that two movies are being made on George’s life, way more than anything I or any other media outlet are doing.
Look, two separate factions of the same estate making a movie about one man at the same time is going to draw curiosity of why that is occurring. I understand that the two movies have separate plot lines, but still. So to act like two movies being made at the same time is a non story is ridiculous. People are talking about it now, and people will be talking about it in the future. And yes, the bad blood will be dredged up between Nancy and Georgette as part of this. It’s all inevitable. But don’t assume anyone is taking sides.
February 7, 2016 @ 7:18 am
It’s too bad they couldn’t come to terms with this. Who says two movies is a bad thing, all considered? If Georgette and Nancy were on the same page, we could have been looking at a potential series about George Jones (that shares continuity and acting talent) instead of two movies that will likely come at his story from different, if not contradictory, angles. It’s kind of looking like the Steve Jobs situation, where differing studios tell what amounts to more or less the same story but with different release dates and names on the marquee. Or like the stiff competition between fellow Wyatt Earp stories Tombstone and Wyatt Earp in the early ’90s (both ostensibly started out as the same film before disagreements about the production arose)
July 31, 2018 @ 4:25 pm
I agree you cannot have George Jones without Tammy Wynette. And yes they loved each other til the end. George was in love with Tammy and just settled for companionship because he was not with his true love Tammy and that’s my belief. And Tammy the same. In my opinion Nancy was a control freak and so was Richie. Both jealous of George and Tammys love for one another. Glad they got together in the end and sang ONE cause they are sure ONE ,now. And God is in control this time.
February 6, 2016 @ 2:37 pm
Rumors from a top secret source claim that Nancy’s movie is by the producers of “I Saw the Light” and will star legendary British actor Rowan Atkinson as The Possum himself! Also, since George’s music is just too expensive to license, they will get Mr. Bean himself to grunt and groan it out in slightly intelligible English!
February 6, 2016 @ 3:34 pm
This happens fairly often in Hollywood. 9 times out of 10 only one of the films sees the light of day.
February 6, 2016 @ 7:16 pm
I saw him play a show in Joliet, IL shortly before his death he could barely make it on the stage. I’m not familiar with the ongoing feud but when I saw his wife hawking shirts after the show I felt ashamed I paid for a ticket. Fucking pathetic.
February 6, 2016 @ 9:12 pm
What? You saw an elderly lady selling t shirts herself instead of entourage members and you felt bad for PAYING for a ticket? That s fucking pathetic? Maybe I misunderstood but you said you didn’t know about any feud but you still talk shit about it. Maybe your fucking pathetic, maybe George chose to perform maybe he had to, none of your concern. George left us with a huge catalog of beautiful music, he doesn’t owe anyone anything, we as country music fans owe him respect. I don’t understand this comment at all, did you want your money back, or a free t shirt?
September 4, 2023 @ 10:39 pm
Um, his comment was made 2016, she’s 64 now, I would hardly call 58 elderly. She was on instagram last week selling, George Jones replica guitars she said she had a 100 left. She showed who she really was in how she did Jones children. $$$$$$$
September 4, 2023 @ 9:35 pm
I totally agree, I watched his last show on YouTube he look so fragile. God Bless him, he should have been doing what he wanted his last days. I have loved George and Tammy all my life.
February 6, 2016 @ 8:53 pm
Americas favorite country singer the living legend George Jones. My grandpa and his buddy followed George all over they were like two of his biggest fans. Wish I could have been there, probably a bad hangover but man what a great time they probably had. All of my heroes are passing away, I don’t think I’ll get to see Merle, one of the best country song writers alive and that vocal range. Waylon is my end all be all hero, his music turned my life around his philosophy: make your own way in life in your terms and try not to hurt anyone else along the way, helped me to become a better more confident person. Well I never got to see George live either(but I have seen every recorded live performance he did). I was really trying to find the time from work and kids but couldn’t get it now he’s gone. I will see both movies regardless of quality or content just to remember him and his music and my grandpa. My grandpa went just a few months before he did, and he stopped loving her today was on repeat at his funeral(he was married for nearly 70 yrs).
February 8, 2016 @ 10:52 am
Just a suggestion, you might want to drop the “living legend” line going forward.
February 6, 2016 @ 8:56 pm
Here’s to hoping both films are good!
I gotta say I love George Jones more than any other Country singer (unless you count Elvis.) But I think his later life work was his best output, and his peak commercial material was some of his weakest.
I would like one or both of these movies to try sidestepping music completely, the way “The Last Ride” did. That picture featured Hank Williams, and yet the actor did no singing. If we’re going for George Jones I believe this is the safest bet, because nobody will ever be able to sing like he did. If they go for his easier work like “The Race is On” they have a shot, but trying to bend notes like he does on “Bartender’s Blues” would be impossible for anybody except Colm Wilkinson.
What’s that? The star of “The Tudors” and “Les Miserables” playing the role of George Jones?
man can dream.
February 6, 2016 @ 9:43 pm
I see this a huge bonus!!! I will be going to see both movies nancys and georgettes! But unfortuntley it will probably confuse a lot of the general public having two movies will hurt the success of both
February 7, 2016 @ 6:16 am
u no why strait outta compton didnt win no oscar ? its trash thats why. I do not want no rap video directer maken a film about no show.
and if holly wood is maken the movie dont be suprized if will smith or denzel Washington gets casted as no show. they all redy had that fella from the wire play as thor so accuracy will lose out to diversity.
my pick to play no show wood be Florida State head football coach jimbo fisher.
Role tide!
February 10, 2016 @ 2:08 pm
^^^^ I have no idea what I just read with that last commenter haha
April 14, 2016 @ 9:23 pm
Georgette’s movie is a deal for the movie rights to her 2011 biography about her life growing up with her famous parents. If the movie is in fact an adaptation of her book it will be a very different movie than Nancy’s as Tammy is a lot more present than George. Georgette also had nothing but praise in her book for Nancy.
February 13, 2017 @ 9:29 pm
I was privileged 4 times to see the best country music singer east texas ever produced. My sister and i use to call each other up and say, george is on heyhaw, turn it on. We both adored him. Tommy lee Jones would have been great at playing george jones. I truly loved him and miss his music. His daughter has a wonderful dad!
May 8, 2018 @ 1:35 pm
I whole heartedly will watch both renditions of George’s life from both point of views. Being a child of a broken home, yes there are 2 different sides to every story and it will be nice to see both stories come to life. As for the actor of The Possom himself, I believe that Jim Carry is the closest in looks but no one comes as close to his voice as Sammy Kershaw. As for the above comments bashing Nancy, she probably wasn’t a saint but no one knows what happened behind closed doors either. I’ve been the one to save my husband from his termoils in life and understand why she feels like she saved his life as i feel the same about me and my husband as well. Let the past be the past and let these 2 women tell the story of an amazing man and great country legend themselves and see what comes out of them. My husband, I’m sure, will buy both movies and have different opinions of both.
EITHER WAY LETS HAVE A LITTLE RESPECT FOR THE LATE GEORGE JONES!!!!!!
July 7, 2020 @ 9:21 pm
This is the best comment yet. Sammy Kershaw would be best for singing and Jim Carey for looks. No one knows George and Nancy’s real life. It sure lasted a long time. And, I too believe you can help save a person from self destruction. It happened to me, my husband totally changed mine for the better. Some people can deeply love someone but just cannot stay married. I don’t think it was right how his children were treated at the funeral. I too am excited about both movies. I saw George in concert many times , he was my favorite. I am sure Nancy and Georgette both loved George. Most likely he did shows until the end because he wanted too.
June 18, 2018 @ 10:12 am
I just want to know when the movies are due out. I too would be interested in watching both.
January 23, 2019 @ 10:21 pm
Its my understanding neither movie was produced and both are now shelved. Anyone heard anything different?
June 24, 2019 @ 2:11 pm
I I agree why slow gorge jones kids se t in back Nancy is no bloodline justa gold digge
February 22, 2020 @ 1:54 am
Vicki Soles and Jackie are the two people commenting who seem to have first hand knowledge about the late, great, George Jones. As far as the movies, as a fan who has followed both Jones’ and Wynette’s careers, I wouldn’t pay a dime to see anything Nancy Sepulvado is involved with. If you listen to her interviews and accounts of things from early on to after Jones’ death, you very quickly see she is not forthright and contradicts her own statements. Personally I hope her movie is shelved permanently. I’m anxious to see Georgette Jones’ movie and hope it comes out soon.
September 4, 2023 @ 9:45 pm
The lady Peanutt Montgomery’s wife Charlene left a comment under an interview with Nancy, a few months ago, because Nancy said the series George and Tammy was all lies the one on Showtime, Charlene said she was there and was not lies. I will always love Tammy & George despite Nancy saying in the interview they hated race other. I have never heard George say a bad word about Tammy.
September 4, 2023 @ 10:57 pm
I saw that pathetic, disgraceful, interview with Nancy and her boyfriend Kirk “West” real name Leipzig. I can’t wait to read the book Charlene referenced in her comment.
September 5, 2023 @ 10:07 pm
Same Debbie because Nancy said, George and Tammy hated each other, I don’t believe that, I think they always loved each other, I wish his grave marker read “He stopped loving Tammy today “ George and Peanutt were friends for years, Peanutt wrote songs, Charlene wanted Peanutt to see George before he died, Nancy would not allow it. Searched Peanutt on YouTube and his own words he had to sue Nancy for 5 million he was owed.