Kid Cudi is bringing the life and legacy of legendary 20th-century artist Jean-Michel Basquiat to the big screen in a new film that he will write, direct and star in.
The rapper, singer and filmmaker announced the project on Instagram on Wednesday, revealing that he had decided to take matters into his own hands after years of being asked to portray Basquiat in a biographical film.
“For years people have asked me about playing Jean Michel Basquiat in a film,” Cudi shared. “But no project actually came to be. This year, I finally said f*ck it, ima write it myself.”
Describing the upcoming movie as a personal tribute, Cudi said the film would serve as “a love letter to Jean, the 80s and NY city.” He also credited Basquiat as a major influence throughout his career, calling the opportunity to tell the artist’s story in a fresh way a tremendous honor.
Basquiat, who died in 1988 at just 27 years old, remains one of the most influential figures in modern American art. His distinctive blend of graffiti, expressive imagery and social commentary continues to resonate with audiences, collectors and artists worldwide.
Basquiat’s Enduring Legacy
Although Basquiat’s story has been explored through numerous documentaries and films, Cudi hopes to offer a new perspective on the artist’s life and cultural impact. One previous portrayal came in Julian Schnabel’s 1996 film Basquiat, which featured Jeffrey Wright in a breakout performance as the artist.
Basquiat’s reputation has also grown substantially in the international art market. With support from prominent collectors, including Jay-Z, his work has reached record-breaking prices at auction. In 2017, his 1982 painting Untitled sold for $110.5 million, setting a record for an American artist at the time.
While other works by artists such as Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock have since commanded higher prices, Basquiat remains a major figure in the art world, with his paintings continuing to attract considerable interest from museums and private collectors.
Alongside announcing the project, Cudi — whose real name is Scott Mescudi — shared images of himself styled as Basquiat and revealed that filming is planned for 2027. The photos offer an early glimpse of his transformation into the artist and suggest that he intends to capture Basquiat’s distinctive appearance and spirit.
Cudi Expands His Filmmaking Career
The Basquiat project adds another ambitious title to Cudi’s growing filmmaking portfolio. The Grammy-winning artist has already announced Wrong Number, a horror-thriller that marks his second feature as a director.
Currently in production in Los Angeles, the Cudi-written film stars Barbie Ferreira, known for Mile End Kicks, among its cast members.
Beyond his creative projects, Cudi has also attracted attention for his public associations and outspoken views. In September, he defended his decision to appear onstage with longtime collaborator Kanye West in Chicago, following criticism over West’s history of controversial and antisemitic remarks.
Cudi acknowledged West’s past behavior while arguing that people dealing with mental health challenges deserve compassion when they make efforts to improve. He said he had held West accountable and believed his apology was sincere.
Earlier in the year, Cudi also removed M.I.A. from his tour supporting his album Free after the rapper made controversial remarks during a Dallas performance. Cudi explained that he did not want offensive comments becoming part of his shows.
With the Basquiat film now in development, Cudi is turning his attention back to storytelling through cinema. By taking on the roles of writer, director and lead actor, he aims to deliver a personal interpretation of an artist whose influence continues to shape music, fashion and contemporary art decades after his death.
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