Armani's new movie ignites fierce backlash within hours of its announcement

If you thought the world of fashion drama was just for catwalks and glossy magazines, think again. The moment news broke about 'Armani: The King of Fashion', a biopic about the late Giorgio Armani, things kicked off behind the scenes almost straight away.

So, What's the Fuss?

The plan is for the film to be directed by Bille August and produced by Andrea Iervolino—both names you'd expect to see on a prestige European project, not a tabloid scandal. Armani himself died back in September 2025, so the film is set up as a proper posthumous tribute. Or it would be, if it wasn't for one small hitch: the Armani family and the company itself have made it crystal clear they want nothing to do with it.

Yesterday, almost as soon as the film was announced, the Armani Group put out an unambiguous statement:

'While aware of the existence of Andrea Iervolino & Bille August's project, Armani: The King of Fashion, the Armani Group has never been involved in the initiative, nor has it authorized, supported, endorsed, or participated in its development or production. The company therefore considers itself entirely unrelated to the project and dissociates itself from both the director and the content of the project.'

This Isn't the First Time

It's hardly the first time Hollywood has powered on with a biopic against the wishes of a subject's family or estate. In fact, you almost need a scoreboard just to keep track:

• The Apprentice (with Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump)—slated by the real-life former president.
• Pam & Tommy—went ahead despite Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee having no involvement (and, in Anderson's case, no approval).
• The Social Reckoning (and The Social Network before it)—neither film got Mark Zuckerberg's blessing.
• House of Gucci—directed by Ridley Scott and rammed into production without cooperation from the Gucci family.

Where Does This Leave the Armani Film?

Officially, 'Armani: The King of Fashion' has no release date, and with the Armani Group completely distancing themselves, it's anyone's guess what sort of access to real-life details or archival material the filmmakers will actually get. The script is being handled by Bobby Moresco—he's the bloke who wrote 'Lamborghini: The Legend', and was also behind 'Crash'.

At this rate, whether the film actually makes it all the way to cinemas is up in the air. One thing's for certain: if it does, it'll go out as an unauthorised look at the king of Italian fashion, whether the Armani camp likes it or not.