Kid Cudi To Star In, Write And Direct Basquiat Biopic: “For All Those Dreamers”

Sometimes, the best way to realize a dream is to take action rather than wait for someone else to do it. Kid Cudi is adopting this mindset with his upcoming film, JEAN, which focuses on the influential artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

On Wednesday, October 21, the rapper announced via Instagram that he will be writing, directing, and starring in the film, with filming set to begin in 2027. He provided followers with a preliminary look at his transformation with images from a wardrobe test, including a wig that reflects Basquiat’s recognizable hairstyle. “JEAN. Written, directed and starring me. Filming 2027,” he stated.

Fans have expressed a desire to see Cudi portray the painter for several years, but a suitable project had not materialized. Now, he has decided to take control of the situation. “For years people have asked me about playing Jean-Michel Basquiat in a film. But no project actually came to be. This year, I finally said f**k it, I’ma write it myself. Did a wardrobe test, got a wig made (this isn’t the final, just a rough, trust me we gon’ get it perfect). But I wanted to tease what we been cooking a bit,” he mentioned.

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In addition to the early character images, the Ohio native discussed his preparation process for the screenplay, which included conversations with individuals who knew Basquiat personally. “This one I’m so proud of and excited about,” he continued. “To write a film about someone who existed was a challenge, but it was a welcomed one. A lot of research, books, talks with people that knew him.”

Cudi also shared how significantly Basquiat has impacted his own creative path, noting that this project serves as a tribute to the late artist and the New York City era that contributed to his legacy. He remarked, “This film will be a love letter to Jean, the ’80s and NY City. Jean has inspired me all throughout my career, and it will be the biggest honor 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 one’s for all those dreamers out there.”

The Day ‘N’ Nite artist concluded his announcement with “Stay tuned.”

Jean-Michel Basquiat was born in Brooklyn to a Haitian father and a Puerto Rican mother. He first garnered attention in the late 1970s with his graffiti art under the name SAMO©. By the early 1980s, he had become a prominent figure in New York’s art world, recognized for his striking neo-expressionist paintings, recurring crown symbol, and themes of race, identity, and power.

Basquiat’s career included a collaboration with Andy Warhol, and his first solo exhibition in 1982 was a success. However, his life was tragically cut short when he died from an accidental drug overdose in 1988 at the age of 27.

Kid Cudi has experience in Hollywood, having created and starred in the popular Netflix original Entergalactic. His film credits also include appearances as himself in Bill & Ted Face the Music and House Party, as well as roles in Ti West’s X and M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap. According to Variety, Cudi is also preparing to make his feature directorial debut with Doe, which began production in Los Angeles earlier this year. He is involved in another project, the horror thriller Wrong Number, where he will be directing and starring alongside Barbie Ferreira.

For Cudi, JEAN represents an opportunity to bring one of his long-time inspirations to life through his creative vision.