Sublime Biopic Sets KJ Apa to Star as Late Singer Bradley Nowell for Director Justin Chon
The forthcoming Sublime biopic feature from Sony’s 3000 Pictures has found its Bradley Nowell.
KJ Apa is attached to star as the late singer for the movie that has Justin Chon set to direct. The untitled project is currently in development, with Chon working on the screenplay with Bobby Hundreds following an initial draft from Chris Mundy.
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Producing for Chenin Entertaiment are Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping and David Ready. Executive producers include surviving Sublime members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, in addition to Troy Nowell and Jakob Nowell on behalf of Bradley Nowell’s estate.
Francis Lawrence, who was initially attached to direct before stepping aside due to a scheduling conflict, will also executive produce.
Marisa Paiva oversees the biopic for 3000 Pictures, while Chernin Entertainment director of development Jamie Spetner is overseeing for Chernin.
Sublime hailed from Long Beach, California, and the alternative rock group’s breakout moment came with their 1996 self-titled, third studio album Sublime, released two months after Nowell died of a drug overdose at age 28. Known for such singles as “What I Got” and “Santeria,” Sublime performed at Coachella earlier this year, with the frontman’s son Jakob Nowell making his debut as lead singer.
Apa is known for starring as Archie on the series Riverdale, which signed off last year after seven seasons. The actor’s feature credits include Songbird, The Last Summer, The Hate U Give and the forthcoming rom-com Falling, which recently wrapped filming. Apa has released original music as a singer, and he previously played a musician in the 2020 movie I Still Believe.
Chon directed the 2021 feature Blue Bayou, in which he starred opposite Alicia Vikander. Chon also worked on the series Pachinko.
Music biopics remain a top priority for Hollywood following such success recent stories as Paramount’s Bob Marley: One Love. Earlier on Thursday, The Hollywood Reporter reported that a Queen Latifah-focused film is in the works from producer Will Smith.
Apa is represented by UTA, Luber Roklin Entertainment, Mandy Jacobsen, Red 11 Management and Jackoway Austen. Chon is represented by WME, Theresa Kang of Blue Marble Management and McKuin Frankel. Hundreds is represented by UTA, Kang and Jackoway Austen.
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