AceShowbiz - Cass Elliot, famously known as Mama Cass, is set to be portrayed by Jessica Gunning in an upcoming biopic that explores the iconic singer’s life and enduring impact. More than five decades after her untimely death, this film promises a fresh and intimate look at the beloved member of The Mamas and The Papas.

Cass Elliot was a trailblazing artist who rose to fame as a founding member of the influential vocal group The Mamas and The Papas. Following the band’s split, she pursued a solo career, releasing her final album in 1973 titled Don’t Call Me Mama Anymore. Tragically, Elliot passed away in 1974 at just 32 years old due to heart failure.

The biopic, titled My Mama, Cass, draws inspiration from a 2024 memoir penned by Elliot’s daughter, Owen Elliot-Kugell, who was only seven when she lost her mother. Gunning, known for her role in Baby Reindeer, will embody the singer, bringing to life the complexities of her career and personal story.

Owen Elliot-Kugell shared with Rolling Stone that writing the memoir was a way to truly understand her mother’s legacy: “I’ve wanted to tell her story for a really, really long time, and I didn’t know how to do it... I feel like, in some ways, I know her better now.”

The project is currently in development, with Vertias Entertainment producing and Emma Forrest adapting the script. The film intends to be more than a typical band biopic, aiming instead to highlight Cass Elliot’s individual journey, her legacy, and the profound mother-daughter relationship that shaped both their lives.

One of the film’s key goals is to dispel the persistent myth surrounding Elliot’s death—that she choked on a ham sandwich. This rumor, which originated from a 2020 obituary written by journalist and friend Sue Cameron, was later revealed to have been propagated at the request of Elliot’s manager to avoid speculation about substance abuse. Autopsy reports confirmed that Cass Elliot died peacefully in her sleep from a heart attack, with no drugs involved.

Elliot-Kugell expressed frustration over the false story’s longevity, stating, “I can’t believe we’re still talking about the sandwich after all these years... It wasn’t enough that we had lost her, to then be [made into] a joke.” She noted that the rumor still divides public opinion, with about half of people not believing it and the other half remaining skeptical.

As for Jessica Gunning, the actress continues to expand her filmography with her upcoming role in the movie adaptation of The Magic Faraway Tree, set for release on March 27. Additionally, she is involved in the comedies Anxious People and Frank and Percy, both in post-production.

My Mama, Cass seeks to honor the life of a remarkable artist, offering audiences a heartfelt and truthful portrayal of a woman whose voice and story still resonate decades later.