The life of George Michael is being developed into a Broadway musical, with his sister holding confidential discussions with producers about bringing the late singer's story to the stage.
Yioda Panayiotou, 64, has reportedly been in talks about the project, which remains at an early development phase.
The timing holds particular significance, as 2026 marks 10 years since the Wham! star passed away on Christmas Day 2016 at his Oxfordshire home.
A source told The Sun: "Over the years George's family have rejected countless big-money deals to turn his life into a biopic or stage show.
Mr Michael's sister is claimed to have had secret talks about the production
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"But in recent months Yioda has warmed to the idea - especially with this year marking a decade since her brother's passing."
The production is currently being workshopped in New York, with seven-time Olivier Award nominee Maria Friedman reportedly in line to direct.
Ms Friedman, celebrated for her work on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Merrily We Roll Along, would helm a show tracing Mr Michael journey from pop stardom with Wham! through to his acclaimed solo years.
The musical would incorporate some of his most beloved tracks whilst following the narrative of his career and personal life.
Crucially, the production is intended to differ from jukebox musicals such as Mamma Mia.
Mr Michael first found fame in the band Wham!
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"Right now it's not a Mamma Mia situation where his songs soundtrack a new story - this is about his life," the source explained.
Producers are hopeful the show could eventually transfer to London's West End.
Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, Mr Michael first achieved fame in the 1980s as one half of Wham! alongside Andrew Ridgeley, whom he had met at school in Hertfordshire.
The duo's 1983 debut album Fantastic launched them to stardom, with the pair going on to sell more than 30 million records worldwide.
The singer then embarked on a solo career
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Hits including Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, Club Tropicana and Last Christmas established them as one of the decade's defining pop acts.
Following an amicable split, Mr Michael embarked on a solo career that would see him shift over 100 million records globally.
He achieved seven number one singles in the UK, including Careless Whisper, Faith and Fastlove, as well as his duet with Sir Elton John, Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me.
His final live performance took place at Earl's Court in October 2012.
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Mr Michael's family had previously turned down numerous lucrative offers to adapt his story for film or theatre, making the current discussions a notable shift in approach.
The project emerges amid renewed interest in musical biopics following the commercial triumph of Michael, the film chronicling Michael Jackson's life.
That production shattered box office records for the genre, achieving a global opening of $217million (£160million) and surpassing the previous benchmark established by Bohemian Rhapsody in 2019.
A sequel to the Jackson biopic is already in development, with Lionsgate confirming it could begin filming as early as this year or 2027.
Mr Michael's life story production comes after the success of Michael, the film surrounding Michael Jackson's life and career
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Separately, a long-lost film of George Michael's 1988 Faith Tour concert at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy is set for release later this year.
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