Jessica Gunning to Star in Cass Elliot Biopic "My Mama Cass"

Jessica Gunning, known for her Emmy-winning role in the Netflix mini-series "Baby Reindeer," has been cast to portray Cass Elliot in the upcoming biopic "My Mama Cass." The film is based on the memoir of the same name written by Elliot's daughter, Owen Elliot-Kugell. Adapted by screenwriter Emma Forrest, the project is produced by Veritas Entertainment, which previously worked on the Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown." Notably, "My Mama Cass" is described as "not a traditional Mamas & the Papas biopic," focusing instead on Elliot's life, legacy, and the mother-daughter relationship that shaped them both.

AV ClubBaby Reindeer’s Jessica Gunning to Star in Cass Elliot BiopicRolling Stone

Cass Elliot, a prominent figure in the 1960s music scene, was a founding member of the folk group The Mamas & The Papas. Known for her powerful voice, she contributed to hits like "Monday, Monday" and "Make Your Own Kind of Music." Following the group's disbandment in 1968, Elliot pursued a solo career, achieving notable success with songs such as "Dream a Little Dream of Me." Despite her contributions to music and television, including her own variety show, Elliot's life was marred by the urban legend surrounding her death at the age of 32, which was falsely attributed to choking on a ham sandwich. The film aims to dispel this myth and highlight the truth about her untimely passing, which was officially due to a heart attack.

Variety Magazine

Owen Elliot-Kugell expressed her long-standing desire to tell her mother's story, stating, "I’ve wanted to tell her story for a really, really long time." She emphasized the importance of correcting the narrative surrounding her mother's death, noting the pain caused by the sandwich rumor. Elliot-Kugell remarked, “I can’t believe we’re still talking about the sandwich after all these years,” indicating her commitment to preserving her mother's legacy.

Rolling Stone

"My Mama Cass" is currently in development, with no director attached yet. Veritas Entertainment is actively sharing the project with potential buyers and financiers. Gunning's recent rise to fame, coupled with her previous accolades, positions her as a fitting choice for the role of Elliot. The film is part of a broader trend of female rock biopics, alongside projects about other iconic artists such as Ronnie Spector and Janis Joplin.

AV Club

While the film has garnered interest, some critics question the need for another biopic in a genre that has seen numerous portrayals of musicians. However, proponents argue that "My Mama Cass" offers a unique perspective by focusing on Elliot's personal life and the impact of her legacy, rather than solely her musical career.

AV Club

• “This is not a traditional Mamas & the Papas biopic,” — Press Release

Rolling Stone

• “Once you’ve taken the knife out of your heart, it makes for a wonderful story,” — Michelle Phillips, Elliot's bandmate

Rolling Stone

"My Mama Cass" promises to be a significant exploration of Cass Elliot's life, aiming to honor her legacy while addressing the misconceptions that have persisted since her death.

AV Club