Elijah Wood in Iggy Pop's Shoes

Elijah Wood is set to star as Iggy Pop in a film biopic about the controversial punk rocker. The 'Lord of the Rings' actor will portray the singer in 'The Passenger', which will follow Iggy's early years with his band The Stooges, in the late 60s and early 70s.

Iggy - who battled heroin addiction for years - has given his blessing to the project, but has no plans to star in the film. The rocker, now 60, said: "The script ain't chopped liver. It was a work of art. But subjectively, I don't want to be involved in any way. A producer and the writer sent me a very decent letter, and asked me to write back if I didn't want them to do it. I don't feel negative about it at all."

The film - which has been in the planning stages for many years - is to be directed by Nick Gomez, while the script has been written by Eric Schmid. Shooting is due to start in the next six months, with a release date scheduled for 2008.

The Stooges - who split in 1974 - reunited in 2003 and have recently completed a tour showcasing their first album in over 30 years 'The Weirdness'.

• Elijah Wood Doesn't Regret Starting Acting Career in Young Age
• Elijah Talked Leto's Flaming Fury

MORE HEADLINES