A new biopic about the life of artist and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe is in the works, and some of the high-profile casting decisions have just been revealed. Mapplethorpe's title character will be played by former Doctor Who star Matt Smith, while the role of the artist's best friend, former lover and frequent collaborator Patti Smith has been awarded to Zosia Mamet of HBO's hit show Girls.
The film will be directed by Ondi Timoner, while Sirad Balducci and Eliza Dushku join Timoner on the list of producers.
"After several years of developing this script and searching across the globe for the perfect talent to embody the rich and layered roles of visionary artists Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith, I am ecstatic to have found Matt Smith and Zosia Mamet," Timoner said [via Deadline]. "They will bring indelible passion, raw humanity, and authenticity to this timeless, inspiring story."
Mapplethorpe and Smith's relationship in the '60s and '70s was documented in Smith's award-winning 2010 memoir Just Kids. After coming out as gay, Mapplethorpe still maintained a close friendship to Smith. He died of AIDS in 1989 at the age of 42.
Below, watch a clip of Smith reading a segment about Mapplethorpe from Just Kids.
The film will be directed by Ondi Timoner, while Sirad Balducci and Eliza Dushku join Timoner on the list of producers.
"After several years of developing this script and searching across the globe for the perfect talent to embody the rich and layered roles of visionary artists Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith, I am ecstatic to have found Matt Smith and Zosia Mamet," Timoner said [via Deadline]. "They will bring indelible passion, raw humanity, and authenticity to this timeless, inspiring story."
Mapplethorpe and Smith's relationship in the '60s and '70s was documented in Smith's award-winning 2010 memoir Just Kids. After coming out as gay, Mapplethorpe still maintained a close friendship to Smith. He died of AIDS in 1989 at the age of 42.
Below, watch a clip of Smith reading a segment about Mapplethorpe from Just Kids.
