Kid Cudi is preparing to take on one of the most recognizable figures in modern art history. The Grammy-winning rapper and actor has announced plans to write, direct and star in *JEAN*, a biographical film centered on legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
The project, scheduled to begin filming in 2027, represents another major step in Cudi’s expanding career in film and television. This time, however, he is taking creative control of a story that has held personal significance for years.
Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, revealed the news through Instagram on October 21, explaining that he had frequently been encouraged to portray Basquiat on screen. After waiting for a suitable production to take shape, he decided to develop his own screenplay.
The musician also offered fans an early glimpse of his appearance in the film, sharing images from a preliminary wardrobe test featuring a hairstyle inspired by Basquiat’s distinctive look. He emphasized that the appearance was still being developed and did not represent the finished version.
Bringing Basquiat’s life to the screen involves more than recreating his image. Cudi has been studying the artist’s background through books and conversations with people who knew him, hoping to build a portrayal that reflects both his creative achievements and his personality.
Born in Brooklyn in 1960, Basquiat emerged from New York City’s downtown art scene to become one of the most influential painters of his generation. His expressive artwork combined striking imagery, handwritten text and cultural references while exploring subjects including race, identity, history and social inequality.
His rise during the 1980s brought international recognition and connections with prominent artists, including Andy Warhol. Although his career ended with his death from a drug overdose in 1988 at just 27 years old, his artistic influence has continued across generations.
For Cudi, that influence extends beyond the visual arts. He has identified Basquiat as an important source of inspiration throughout his own career, making the upcoming film a deeply personal undertaking.
The project also reflects Cudi’s increasingly ambitious relationship with Hollywood. In addition to building a successful recording career, he has appeared in films including *X* and *Don’t Look Up*. He also co-created and starred in the 2022 animated Netflix special *Entergalactic*, which accompanied his album of the same name.
Basquiat’s life has previously been explored on screen, notably in the 1996 film *Basquiat*, starring Jeffrey Wright. Cudi’s production will offer another interpretation of the artist’s life, this time guided by a musician whose own work has frequently crossed creative boundaries.
With filming planned for 2027, *JEAN* remains in the early stages of development. No official release date or additional casting details have been confirmed.
For Cudi, the upcoming production offers an opportunity to connect his interests in music, visual art and filmmaking while introducing Basquiat’s remarkable legacy to another generation of audiences.
