(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Brad Pitt is set to play John Lennon in a biopic, and is planning to have lessons to ensure he can sing on camera.

The Hollywood hunk is said to be a life-long admirer of the Beatles legend, who was shot dead by Mark Chapman in 1980. He has reportedly been in secret talks to play the iconic musician in a movie about his life, which Brad also plans to produce.

The actor has spent time discussing the project with Johns widow Yoko Ono, who is said to think the time is right for the adaptation to be made.

It has been claimed Brad is already practicing speaking like John, who was from the UK city of Liverpool, and also plans to show off his vocal abilities on screen.

Brad already has a writer working on the script. And Yoko has given the project her blessing so long as its true to Johns life, a source told British newspaper The Daily Express. Brad wants to do all the singing himself and plans to take voice lessons. If he cant pull it off theyll use Johns own voice.

The 47-year-old star has started stockpiling recordings of John so he can mimic his mannerisms. He is also reading as much about the icon as possible, as he wants to be totally prepared when shooting begins. (C) Cover Media