OutKast rapper and singer André 3000 will portray guitar legend Jimi Hendrix in a new biopic of the '60s rocker being made in Ireland.

The Irish Film and Television Network announced the casting Monday, revealing that the film is already in pre-production and will begin shooting in Dublin and other cities in three weeks.

André 3000, whose real name is André Benjamin, has appeared in Guy Ritchie's Revolver, the 2006 OutKast movie musical Idlewild and films like Four Brothers, Be Cool and Semi-Pro. He also had a role on TV's The Shield.

In the forthcoming Hendrix biopic, titled All Is By My Side, he'll play the young guitarist in the period leading up to his 1966 breakthrough and release of the album Are You Experienced.

OutKast's André 3000 is to play Jimi Hendrix in a new biopic of the '60s rocker. Associated Press

Hendrix was discovered in New York by Linda Keith, then girlfriend of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. She referred him to a London manager and producer. The result was the formation of his band, the Jimi Hendrix Experience. The Seattle-born Hendrix died in London, in September 1970.

All Is By My Side will be directed by Three Kings writer John Ridley, who also wrote the screenplay.

Studios have tried to produce films about the iconic rock guitarist in the past, but came up against the Hendrix estate, which has refused to license the late artist's songs. It's not known if Ridley has negotiated music rights.