Kid Cudi has officially announced that he will write, direct, and star in a highly anticipated biographical film about the legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. He revealed the project, titled 'Jean', in an Instagram post on Wednesday, sharing photos of himself in an early wardrobe test wearing a dark wig to capture the artist's iconic look.
Principal photography for the film is currently planned for 2027. Cudi stated that since no previous project regarding the artist's life ever came together, he decided to take the initiative and write it himself, drafting the entire script over the summer months.
He emphasized his dedication to the project by conducting extensive research. He described the process of writing a film about a real-life historical figure as "a challenge, but a welcomed one." Cudi noted that he drew on extensive research, various books, and personal conversations with people who knew Basquiat intimately.
"This film will be a love letter to Jean, the 80s, and New York City," he wrote. The actor added that Basquiat has inspired him throughout his entire career and that it will be "the biggest honor to tell his story in a way we haven't seen before." He clarified to his followers that the wig and look shared in the post are merely a rough first attempt and not the final version that will appear on screen.
Jean-Michel Basquiat, born in Brooklyn to Haitian and Puerto Rican heritage, rose to prominence in the New York art scene during the 1980s. He began his career as a graffiti artist under the name SAMO and became internationally renowned for his powerful paintings addressing themes of race, class, and social power.
Tragically, the artist died in 1988 at the young age of 27. Cudi, who has appeared in major productions such as 'Need for Speed', 'Entourage', and 'X', is currently building a serious directing career alongside his acting work.
His upcoming horror film 'Wrong Number', co-starring Barbie Ferreira, is currently in production in Los Angeles. Basquiat has been portrayed on screen before, most notably in Julian Schnabel's 1996 film 'Basquiat', which starred Jeffrey Wright in the lead role, with David Bowie portraying Andy Warhol.
Other recent projects include 'The Collaboration', featuring Jeremy Pope as Basquiat, and a Netflix documentary co-produced by his sisters that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival this year. Industry analysts have noted that while the project is ambitious, it is not yet clear whether Basquiat's estate will officially support or endorse Cudi's film.
The production remains a significant point of interest for art enthusiasts and cinema fans alike as they await further updates on the 2027 release.