THE Walt Disney Studios is developing an original movie musical based on the songs of American treasure Lionel Richie.

Tentatively titled “All Night Long,” the new project will use some of Richie’s greatest hits in a live-action project in early stages of development with a theatrical release in mind.

Richie and his manager Bruce Eskowitz are producing the project with Cavalry Media executives Dana Brunetti and Matt Del Piano. Screenwriter Pete Chiarelli (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Proposal”) is currently at work on the script, added the insiders.

While the film is more in line with the jukebox musical vibe of the hugely successful “Mamma Mia” films based on the ABBA songbook, recent musical movies have generated big box-office returns and awards buzz.

Rami Malek took the best actor Oscar for his turn in Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody” in 2018, which grossed over US$900 million worldwide. The Elton John-based “Rocketman” earned nearly US$200 million worldwide and nabbed star Taron Egerton a Golden Globe. Other notable jukebox titles include “Jersey Boys,” “Rock of Ages” and Julie Taymor’s indie darling “Across the Universe,” based on the music of The Beatles.(SD-Agencies)