Lee Daniels to direct Janis Joplin bio-pic, 'Miss Saigon' movie Blues Singer Janis Joplin, 27 (shown in a 1969 file photo), whose throaty vocal style put her at the top of pop charts following the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, was found dead in her apartment late October 4, 1970. The cause of death was not immediately determined. LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Director Lee Daniels told The Hollywood Reporter Amy Adams will play Janis Joplin in his upcoming bio-picture about the iconic rocker. Joplin died of a drug overdose in 1970. She was 27. "This is my next project for sure," Daniels told the entertainment industry trade newspaper about making a movie about Joplin's life story. I had no idea Janis Joplin was so smart -- intellectual, even. Look, some of the smartest people in the world have been drug addicts. Daniels said he thinks Adams -- whose films include "Junebug," "Enchanted," "The Fighter" and "The Master" -- will be perfect to play the doomed musician. Guess what? She can sing her ass off! Daniels said of Adams. After Joplin, I'm hoping to get 'Miss Saigon' off the ground. And then -- I want to make a horror movie! Daniels has earned rave reviews for his drama "The Butler." His other films include "The Paperboy," "Precious" and "Shadowboxer."