Nick Jonas is set to portray Paul Stanley in a new KISS biopic titled ‘Shout It Out Loud’, with the project focusing on the band’s rise during their formative years in the 1970s. The much-anticipated film, which has drawn involvement from both Stanley and Gene Simmons, aims to highlight the early journey of the iconic rock band, making the news of Nick Jonas cast as Paul Stanley in KISS biopic a significant moment for fans and music enthusiasts.
Nick Jonas to Embody Paul Stanley in the Upcoming KISS Film
On June 6, 2025, reports surfaced that Nick Jonas has been tapped for the starring role of KISS frontman Paul Stanley in the biopic ‘Shout It Out Loud’. The film will be directed by McG and will chronicle the band‘s beginnings and surge to stardom. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nick Jonas is currently in final negotiations to join the cast, while producers continue their search for the right actor to play Gene Simmons, Stanley’s bandmate and the group’s bassist.
KISS Members Involved in the Project’s Development
The project has the blessing and direct involvement of the band itself, with both Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons contributing as producers, in collaboration with director McG. This partnership ensures the story’s authenticity and close alignment with the band’s real-life experiences, providing fans with an insider’s look at how KISS rose from obscurity to become rock legends.
The Film’s Focus: KISS Before Stardom
Longtime KISS manager Doc McGhee has revealed that the film will not only spotlight the origins of the band but specifically detail the first four years after their formation in the early 1970s. The story will lead up to the band’s legendary performance at Cadillac High, a significant milestone held in a high school gym in Michigan in 1975. The script is reportedly complete and has been shaped in partnership with the band’s core members.
“And I think it’s a very interesting look at the formation of KISS, the mindset of how that came about, the social pressure that everybody was in in the ’60s and ’70s that brought something like KISS to the forefront, that it could actually happen. So it’s a very interesting, and I think it’s a well-written movie.”
—Doc McGhee, KISS Manager
Paul Stanley’s Perspective on Casting and Storytelling
The casting process for the film has been carefully considered, with Paul Stanley sharing his thoughts on how actors might step into his shoes. He remarked that actors considered for his role would be in their early 20s to authentically reflect the band’s image during its early years. Stanley himself admitted that he is not deeply familiar with the younger generation of actors often suggested for such roles.
Stanley also emphasized the importance of selecting the right person to portray him, noting the insight it may bring into how others perceive his personality. He indicated his intention to be involved in the casting process, closely watching how the director and casting team interpret his legacy and character.
“[The movie is] definitely happening. And that’s gonna be really interesting. The script was really good. And we really waited until we felt comfortable.”
—Paul Stanley, KISS Frontman
“But as the casting process goes on, I’ll certainly be there and watching. It’ll be interesting to see how someone else- be it the casting people or the director – how they view who I am and who they see doing that. I think I’ll learn a lot about their perception of me by who they cast.”
—Paul Stanley, KISS Frontman
Nick Jonas Prepares for the Role and Vocal Training
Deadline.com has reported that Nick Jonas plans to tackle the singing himself in the film, with training needed to match Paul Stanley’s distinctive vocals. Taking on these vocal duties sets a new challenge for Jonas, who is both an accomplished pop musician and actor, but now faces the task of capturing Stanley’s powerful performance style and persona on screen.
Anticipated Impact and What the Biopic Represents to Fans
With production support from original KISS members and a script devoted to the group’s early struggles and meteoric rise, ‘Shout It Out Loud’ is poised to offer a fresh, dynamic perspective on one of rock’s most recognisable bands. As casting finalizes, excitement grows among fans interested in how Nick Jonas will transform into Paul Stanley and how the film will introduce new audiences to the band’s legacy. This biopic not only chronicles a pivotal chapter in music history but also aims to showcase the dedication, spirit, and ambition that propelled KISS from local performers to global icons.
