Kid Cudi to direct and play Basquiat in biopic JEAN
The rapper says filming is planned for 2027, with research drawing on books and conversations with people who knew the artist.
Kid Cudi is developing JEAN, a film about Jean-Michel Basquiat in which he plans to take the lead role and serve as director. Announcing the project on Instagram, the rapper said he had written the screenplay and expects filming in 2027.
According to Cudi, years of suggestions that he portray the artist had never resulted in a film. He eventually chose to tackle the script himself, using books and discussions with people who knew Basquiat as part of his research.
Cudi also reported testing wardrobe and commissioning a wig, while noting that the version he shared was preliminary. He described the film as a tribute to Basquiat, the 80s and New York City, and credited the artist as an influence throughout his career.
His acting credits include the slasher film X and the Netflix animated series Entergalactic.
