Kid Cudi has revealed plans to pen, direct, and star in a biographical feature about Jean-Michel Basquiat.
He unveiled the news on Instagram, sharing several snapshots that depict him embodying the iconic American painter, who passed away in 1988 at the age of 27.
“For years people have urged me to bring Jean-Michel Basquiat to the screen. But no project ever came together,” the Day ‘n’ Nite rapper wrote.
“This year I decided to go for it and write it myself. I did a wardrobe test, had a wig crafted. But I wanted to offer a teaser of what we’ve been cooking. This project makes me incredibly proud and excited,” he continued.
“Crafting a film about a real person was challenging, yet a welcome one. It required extensive research, reading, and conversations with people who knew him. This movie will be a love letter to Basquiat, the 1980s, and New York City.”
“Basquiat has inspired me throughout my career, and telling his story in a way we haven’t seen before will be the greatest honor. This one’s for all the dreamers out there.”
Beyond his music triumphs, Cudi has proven his acting chops with roles in films such as Need for Speed, Two Night Stand, Entourage, and Don’t Look Up.
He will make his feature directorial debut with the drama Doe, which began production earlier this year, in which he also stars.
He is then set to direct the horror thriller Wrong Number, in which he is lined up to star opposite Barbie Ferreira.
