Kid Cudi is taking on one of his most personal creative projects yet, announcing plans to write, direct, and star in JEAN, an upcoming biographical film about legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The rapper and actor revealed that filming is expected to begin in 2027.
According to Complex, Kid Cudi announced the project on October 21 through Instagram, revealing that he will portray Basquiat while also writing and directing the film. The musician explained that he had been approached for years about portraying the late artist but no project materialized. He ultimately decided to develop the screenplay himself.
Cudi shared that he conducted extensive research, including reading books and speaking with people who personally knew Basquiat. He described the upcoming film as a tribute to the artist, 1980s culture, and New York City. Basquiat, who died in 1988 at age 27, remains one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
The film will join other projects exploring Basquiat’s legacy, including the upcoming documentary King Pleasure. Actor Jeffrey Wright previously portrayed the artist in the 1996 film Basquiat. Cudi’s project will offer his own interpretation of the influential artist’s life and career.
