Kid Cudi is stepping into the life of Jean-Michel Basquiat. The Grammy-winning artist and filmmaker revealed on Instagram that he will write, direct and star in JEAN, a film about the legendary painter set to begin filming in 2027.
Cudi, who acts under his given name Scott Mescudi, shared a first look from a wardrobe test, wearing a rough version of the wig he plans to use for the role. He told fans that people have asked him for years about playing Basquiat, but no project ever came together, so this year he decided to write it himself. He also made clear the wig in the teaser is not final.
Cudi described the writing process as demanding but rewarding. “To write a film about someone who existed was a challenge, but it was a welcomed one,” he wrote, adding that the script came out of “a lot of research, books, talks with people that knew him.”
He framed the project as a tribute to the artist and the world that shaped him. “This film will be a love letter to Jean, the 80s and NY city,” Cudi wrote. He said Basquiat has inspired him throughout his career and that “it will be the biggest honor to tell his story in a way we haven’t seen before.” He dedicated the project to dreamers.
JEAN adds to a busy stretch behind the camera for Cudi. He is making his feature directorial debut with Doe, an addiction drama he also wrote and stars in, which is expected in 2027. In September, he announced he would write, direct and star in the horror film Wrong Number alongside Barbie Ferreira.
Cudi’s project arrives as another Basquiat film is also in the works: Samo Lives, in which Kelvin Harrison Jr. plays the artist.
Photo Credit: Instagram/KidCudi
