Boyzone planning Hollywood movie with Zayn Malik ‘to play Shane Lynch’

A big screen biopic about the rise and rise of Irish boyband Boyzone is in the works – with the lads hoping to emulate recent box office hits Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman.

Shane Lynch has teased details of plans for a film that he and bandmates Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy and Mikey Graham have put together for a movie.

The 44-year-old star hinted a film version of the group’s life would focus on their working-class roots in Ireland.

Boyzone were formed in 1993 – famously managed by X Factor judge Louis Walsh – and included the late Stephen Gately in the line up.

Discussing movie plans with The Sun on Sunday, Shane said: “It’s an amazing project, we’re talking to Hollywood about turning the Boyzone story into a movie, with an Irish tone.

“It’s important that it’s done right, telling each member’s own story within the piece, about them growing up and at school.

“We’re trying to avoid the whole musical side of things, it’s about the rawness of Ireland and growing up in working-class families and making it into one of the biggest bands in the world.”

He went on to declare that the film would focus more on the lads and their lives rather than the ins and outs of the music industry – as that would be considered “boring”.

And when it comes to casting, Shane has only one man on his mind to play him.

He said: “I would love Zayn Malik to play me. I like his quirks, I’ve always looked at him as being similar to me – edgy and different.”

Boyzone have released 30 singles over the years since they first burst on to the charts in 1994 with their debut single Working My Way Back To You.

They have have unleashed seven studio albums including the chart topping records Said and Done, A Different Beat, Where We Belong, and Brother.

Tragedy struck the band in October 2009 when original member Stephen died suddenly at his flat in Majorca – aged just 33.

The band are rumoured to be planning a 30th anniversary project – expected to launch in 2024.