Nick Jonas will trade in pop melodies for arena rock riffs as he steps into the role of Paul Stanley in the upcoming KISS biopic Shout It Out Loud.
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Best known as a member of the Jonas Brothers, Jonas will portray the legendary frontman in a film that charts KISS' explosive rise in the 1970s. Director McG, known for Charlie's Angels and Terminator Salvation, will lead the project. Filming is set to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, according to Deadline.
The role marks a dramatic pivot for Jonas, who will perform Stanley's vocals himself. He's now training to match what the report calls Stanley's "jet-engine" voice.
Jonas Builds Acting Resume
In addition to his music career, Jonas has earned praise for roles in both theater and film. He currently stars in The Last Five Years off-Broadway. His screen credits include the Jumanji films and the MMA drama Kingdom. Without a doubt, this new role adds serious rock star weight to his resume.
Producers are close to casting the role of Gene Simmons, Stanley's longtime bandmate and co-founder of KISS.
Of course, this isn't the first time KISS has appeared on the big screen. The band starred in the 1978 cult film KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park, which fans often criticize but still remember fondly. In 1999, they inspired the comedy Detroit Rock City, focused on four teenagers trying to get into a KISS concert.
Stanley and Simmons also appeared in full costume in the 2016 film Why Him?, alongside Bryan Cranston and James Franco.
Stanley Found Fame After Challenges
Born Stanley Bert Eisen, Stanley faced serious hearing issues as a child due to a birth defect called microtia. He was deaf in one ear and often teased by classmates. Despite that, he fell in love with music. He watched American Bandstand, sang harmonies with his family, and picked up a guitar at age seven.
He later attended New York's High School of Music & Art and graduated in 1970. Inspired by acts like the Beatles and Rolling Stones, he helped form KISS just a few years later.
Stanley created the band's "Starchild" persona and became known for his flamboyant style and commanding vocals.
In 2014, he entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with KISS. Hit Parader once ranked him No. 18 on its Top 100 Metal Vocalists list, while Gibson.com named him one of the Top 25 Frontmen of all time.
Biopic Celebrates Rock Icon
Shout It Out Loud will trace KISS' journey from New York clubs to global superstardom. With Jonas leading the way, the film aims to reintroduce Stanley's story -- and the band's legacy -- to a new generation.
More casting news is expected soon as the film prepares to shoot.
