'Twilight' Star Robert Pattinson Meets Jeff Buckley's Mother Over Movie

There's certainly a big pair of shoes to fill for whoever stars in the forthcoming Jeff Buckley biopic.

And while most observers are betting on James Franco for the lead role, another contender is 'Twilight' star Robert Pattinson, who has a huge fan base for his musical endeavours as well as his film work.

In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer (via Gigwise), the actor says he even met Buckley's mother to discuss his potential for the role.

"I met his mom who's really great," Pattinson said. "I don't really think I can sing like Jeff. He was unique. Also, I can't play guitar like him either."

The actor shouldn't be so hard on himself -- after all, it might be impossible to find an actor with the same musical talents as Buckley -- but he recognises there's more to the part than just singing in tune.

"It would involve quite a lot of work," he explained. "If someone just imitates Jeff's voice, it wouldn't be right. It's always about the script. You have no idea how it's going to represent someone."

Jake Scott, director of 'Welcome to the Rileys,' secured the right to make the movie, while also signing all Buckley's music rights as part of a 360 package, according to a report in the Huffington Post.

The film is expected to tell the story leading to Buckley's tragic drowning in a Memphis river in 1997. He had only released one album, 'Grace,' though his bandmates worked with producer Andy Wallace to complete the half-finished followup 'My Sweetheart the Drunk,' with the blessing of his mother.

Watch the Video for Jeff Buckley's 'Hallelujah'