Kid Cudi to write, direct and star as Jean-Michel Basquiat in new film ‘JEAN’

The musician says the project is a “love letter” to Basquiat, the 1980s and New York City, with filming planned for 2027.

Kid Cudi is taking on one of his most ambitious creative projects yet. He is writing, directing and starring in “JEAN,” a forthcoming film about legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The musician, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, announced the project in an Instagram post, sharing an early wardrobe-test image as a first look at his transformation into the artist.

Kid Cudi said he decided to write the film himself after years of people asking whether he would portray Basquiat, although previous projects never materialized. He said filming is planned for 2027. In the Instagram announcement, Cudi said the project involved extensive research, including reading books and speaking with people who knew Basquiat. He described the film as a “love letter to Jean, the 80s and NY city,” explaining that the artist has inspired him throughout his own career.

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Kid Cudi also cautioned fans that the image he shared shows only an early wardrobe test. He said the wig was a rough version and that the team would continue refining the look. The announcement did not reveal a release date, a complete cast or further details about the film’s storyline.

Basquiat rose to prominence in New York’s downtown art scene during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He first gained attention for his graffiti work under the name SAMO before becoming an internationally recognized painter. His work blended text, symbols, anatomy, history and social commentary, frequently examining race, power, wealth and the representation of Black people. Basquiat became one of the most influential artists of his generation before dying in 1988 at age 27.

Kid Cudi has built a career that extends beyond hip-hop into acting, producing and other creative work. With JEAN, he is stepping into a project that places him in multiple key roles behind and in front of the camera. The film also represents a personal undertaking for Cudi, who has described Basquiat as a longstanding source of inspiration.