Joni Mitchell Explains Why She Doesn't Want Taylor Swift to Play Her in a Biopic

Bad things sometimes happen to Taylor Swift. Back in November, Joni Mitchell explained that she did not want the young pop star portraying her in a biopic that was also slated to include the stories of Carole King and Carly Simon. Swift had reportedly been signed on to the film, based on the book Girls Like Us, since 2012, but Mitchell didn't see it working with the "Shake It Off" singer. In a recent interview with New York Magazine, the folk legend explained why.

"I've never heard Taylor's music. I've seen her. Physically, she looks similarly small hipped and high cheekbones. I can see why they cast her," she said. "I don't know what her music sounds like, but I do know this - that if she's going to sing and play me, good luck."

A representative for Swift reached out to Rolling Stone following the NY Mag article, saying that Swift was only ever rumored to be a part of the project.

"It's a shame Joni keeps being asked about a movie that Taylor was rumored to be a part of," the rep said. "But this rumor, like many others casting rumors, is not true."

Swift herself even made it clear in 2012 that she had not been officially cast as the "River" singer. At that point, according to the pop star, the movie hadn't even been greenlit. She was unable to talk about her supposed involvement.

Mitchell has been quiet on the recording front in recent years. Her last album, Shine, came out in 2007. The record, her 19th, hit 14 on the Billboard 200 and was met with positive reviews. She released a career-spanning box set of personal favorites in November.

Tags

Joni Mitchell, Taylor Swift, Carole King, Carly Simon