Musical visionary Kid Cudi is set to create a “love letter” film about artist extraordinaire Jean-Michel Basquiat. It’s not every day you get to see one creative force step into the world of another. And we have to say, this project feels like a match made in heaven.
Cudi is no stranger to the screen, most memorably playing an adult film actor in X – and what a performance that was. This time though, he’s also writing and directing. Having announced his second directorial feature, horror film Wrong Number in September starring Barbie Ferreira, he’s certainly got a busy 2027 ahead of him. His latest subject though needs little introduction. Basquiat’s explosive paintings brought together poetry, graffiti, anatomy and Black cultural history, creating a visual language that remains unmistakable to this day. Although sadly passing of a drug overdose at just 27, his legacy and influence continues to resonate across art, music and fashion.
While we take in the news, find everything we know about the film, including when it releases, below.
What will the film be about?
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Kid Cudi posted to his Instagram stating that for years people have asked him to play Jean-Michel Basquiat – but nothing ever came to fruition. After all of that, Cudi decided this year that he would write it himself. “To write a film about someone who existed was a challenge, but it was a welcomed one,” he wrote on Instagram. “A lot of research, books, talks with people that knew him. This film will be a love letter to Jean, the 80s and NY city. Jean has inspired me all through out my career, and it will be the biggest honour to tell his story in a way we haven’t seen before. I know a lot of y’all gon be like FINALLY hahaha I love it. This ones for all those dreamers out there.”
Already doing costume and wig tests, he’s given us a little something to chew on while we wait for the final film to come.
Who else is involved?
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It’s still too early to know other involvements. However, with we know artists like Jay-Z are well known Basquiat collectors, perhaps we can see him making an appearance whether sonically or on screen. We can expect prominent names in Basquiat’s life such as Andy Warhol and long-time muse and lover Suzanne Mallouk to be cast too. But who would you cast to portray such formidable figures?
When will it be released?
There is no official release date yet. However, with the script written, screen-testing on the way and filming in production early 2027, we could look at an early 2028 release date. Stay tuned here for further updates.
