Kid Cudi is taking creative control of his long-awaited opportunity to portray legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, announcing a new biographical film titled JEAN, which he will write, direct and star in. Production is scheduled to begin in 2027.
The rapper and actor, born Scott Mescudi, announced the project on October 21, sharing images from an early wardrobe test that offered a first look at his transformation into the late artist. The photos showed Cudi wearing a suit and a wig inspired by Basquiat’s distinctive hairstyle.
According to Cudi, the project came together after years of people asking when he would portray Basquiat, but no suitable film materialised. Rather than continue waiting, he decided to write the screenplay himself.
In his announcement, Cudi described the film as a “love letter” to Basquiat, 1980s New York City and the creative culture surrounding the artist. He also revealed that preparing the screenplay involved extensive research, reading books and speaking with people who knew Basquiat personally.
“Jean has inspired me all throughout my career,” Cudi wrote, describing the opportunity to tell the artist’s story as a major honour. He added that he hopes to present Basquiat’s life in a way audiences have not seen before.
Who Was Jean-Michel Basquiat?
Basquiat rose to prominence in New York’s art scene during the late 1970s and early 1980s, initially attracting attention through graffiti created under the name SAMO. He later became internationally recognised for paintings that combined expressive imagery, text and recurring symbols, including his signature crown.
His work frequently explored race, identity, power and social inequality, helping establish him as one of the most influential artists of his generation. His creative relationship with Andy Warhol also became a notable part of his artistic legacy.
Basquiat died in 1988 at the age of 27, but his influence continues to resonate across visual art, fashion, music and popular culture.
Kid Cudi Expands His Filmmaking Career
The project adds another major undertaking to Cudi’s growing film career. He has appeared in productions including X, Pearl, MaXXXine and Happy Gilmore 2, while his animated Netflix project Entergalactic combined his music with a romantic comedy.
With JEAN, Cudi will take on the combined responsibilities of screenwriter, director and lead actor. Further casting details, a release date and information about the film’s production partners have not yet been announced.
The project also arrives amid renewed interest in Basquiat’s life and legacy, with other films and documentaries exploring the artist’s work and influence.
For Cudi, JEAN is more than an acting role. It is an opportunity to bring a longtime creative inspiration to the screen through his own perspective, with filming expected to begin in 2027.
