KJ Apa to star as Bradley Nowell in upcoming Sublime biopic
A new face for a legendary band
KJ Apa, known for his role in “Riverdale,” is set to portray Bradley Nowell, the iconic frontman of the Long Beach band Sublime. This exciting casting choice has been confirmed, and fans of both the actor and the band are eagerly anticipating the film.
Behind the scenes: The creative team
The biopic will be directed by Justin Chon, who is also co-writing the screenplay with Bobby Hundreds, the co-founder of the streetwear brand The Hundreds. The script is based on an original draft by Chris Mundy. The project is being developed under the banner of 3000 Pictures, a Sony-owned company.
Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, and David Ready from Chernin Entertainment are producing the film. Original Sublime band members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, along with Bradley Nowell’s wife Troy Nowell and son Jakob Nowell, are executive producers. Francis Lawrence is also on board as an executive producer. The development of the film is being overseen by Marisa Paiva at 3000 Pictures and Jamie Spetner, director of development at Chernin Entertainment.
The legacy of Sublime
Bradley Nowell’s tragic death in 1996 from a heroin overdose left a void in the music world. However, Gaugh and Wilson kept the spirit of Sublime alive by teaming up with singer Rome Ramirez to form Sublime With Rome in 2009. This iteration of the band toured until 2024, undergoing several lineup changes before embarking on a farewell tour.
In a heartwarming twist, Gaugh and Wilson have reunited with Bradley’s son, Jakob Nowell, to perform once again as Sublime. The band recently graced the main stage at Coachella, bringing their timeless music to a new generation of fans.
KJ Apa’s rising star
KJ Apa has made a name for himself with his breakout role in “Riverdale.” He has also appeared in the Amazon motorcycle drama One Fast Move and the upcoming rom-com Falling. His other film credits include Songbird, The Last Summer, and The Hate U Give.
Justin Chon’s directorial vision
Justin Chon is not just directing but also co-writing the screenplay. He has previously written, directed, and starred in Blue Bayou, which featured Alicia Vikander, and Gook, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Chon’s unique storytelling style is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Sublime biopic.
A collaborative effort
The film is a collaborative effort with representation from various agencies. KJ Apa is represented by UTA, Luber Roklin Entertainment, Mandy Jacobsen, Red 11 Management, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner Auerbach Hynick Jaime LeVine Sample & Klein. Justin Chon is represented by WME, Theresa Kang of Blue Marble Management, and McKuin Frankel. Bobby Hundreds is represented by UTA, Theresa Kang of Blue Marble Management, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.
A personal reflection
As a fan of both cinema and music, the announcement of this biopic is particularly exciting. Sublime’s music has been a soundtrack to many lives, and seeing their story brought to the big screen is a thrilling prospect. KJ Apa’s casting as Bradley Nowell is intriguing, given his versatility as an actor. Justin Chon’s involvement as director and co-writer promises a film that will not only entertain but also offer a deep, nuanced portrayal of Nowell’s life and legacy.
For those who want to dive deeper into the world of Sublime, check out the Sublime trailer and information page. This film is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of the band and newcomers alike.
In the realm of cinema, TV series, and music, projects like this remind us of the power of storytelling. They bridge the gap between generations, allowing us to relive the past while looking forward to the future. The Sublime biopic is more than just a film; it’s a celebration of a band that has left an indelible mark on the music world.