Netflix has found their Joey Ramone.
Twenty years to the day after the legendary punk’s death, the streaming service has announced that comedian Pete Davidson will bring Ramone back to life in the upcoming biopic, I Slept with Joey Ramone.
Based on the memoir of the same name by Ramone’s brother, Mike Leigh, I Slept with Joey Ramone takes a look at the life of one of American punk’s most recognizable icons from his early days to superstardom.
The film’s treatment was written by Davidson and frequent collaborator Jason Orley, who previously directed Davidson in Big Time Adolescence as well as Davidson’s stand up special, Pete Davidson: Alive from New York.
Working with the blessings and partnership of Joey Ramone’s estate, the film will be jointly produced by Netflix and STX Films. While there’s no word yet on a release date, the news is a powerful reminder of the timeless power of the Ramones and their continuing influence on American music and culture.
The film also marks Davidson’s continued ascent from SNL bad boy to serious actor, following the comedian’s critically acclaimed appearances in Big Time Adolescence and last year’s The King of Staten Island, as well as Netflix’s ongoing campaign to change the movie game for audiences and distributors.
Netflix has had wild success at transitioning to a legitimate cinematic powerhouse—the streamer garnered 35 nominations at this year’s Academy Awards, following 24 nominations last year—and this announcement only solidifies their position as a Hollywood force.
