On the 20th anniversary of Joey Ramone's death, Pete Davidson has been cast to star as the late Ramones frontman in a new a Netflix biopic.
The forthcoming I Slept with Joey Ramone — based on the 2010 memoir of the same name written by Ramone's brother Mickey Leigh — will find Davidson in the leading role. The comedian, who will also executive-produce the project alongside Leigh, is the only confirmed cast member at this time.
News of a potential Ramones biopic first arrived way back in 2009, though a lot has changed since then. The upcoming film will now be co-written by Davidson and frequent collaborator Jason Orley, who previously came together for 2019's Big Time Adolescence and Davidson's 2020 standup special Alive from New York. Netflix and STXfilm will develop and produce the project, which is being made with the cooperation and support of the Joey Ramone estate.
"When you share a bed with someone — and not just a bed, but a childhood, a family, and a lifetime — you know that person better than anybody else," STXfilms chairman Adam Fogelson said in a statement. "Mickey Leigh not only collaborated with his big brother's band — he has irreplaceable memories of and insights into Joey Ramone, having supported him when no one else would and witnessed him overcome adversity in the most dramatic way."
Of his star, Fogelson added, "Pete is perfect for this role and we're excited he and Jason will be bringing this icon of rock to life and thrilled to be collaborating once again with our friends at Netflix."
Leigh wrote his I Slept with Joey Ramone memoir with American journalist Legs McNeil, releasing the book in 2010. Joey Ramone died of cancer in 2001 at age 49.
Earlier this week, Davidson's The Freak Brothers received a full eight-episode season order.
The forthcoming I Slept with Joey Ramone — based on the 2010 memoir of the same name written by Ramone's brother Mickey Leigh — will find Davidson in the leading role. The comedian, who will also executive-produce the project alongside Leigh, is the only confirmed cast member at this time.
News of a potential Ramones biopic first arrived way back in 2009, though a lot has changed since then. The upcoming film will now be co-written by Davidson and frequent collaborator Jason Orley, who previously came together for 2019's Big Time Adolescence and Davidson's 2020 standup special Alive from New York. Netflix and STXfilm will develop and produce the project, which is being made with the cooperation and support of the Joey Ramone estate.
"When you share a bed with someone — and not just a bed, but a childhood, a family, and a lifetime — you know that person better than anybody else," STXfilms chairman Adam Fogelson said in a statement. "Mickey Leigh not only collaborated with his big brother's band — he has irreplaceable memories of and insights into Joey Ramone, having supported him when no one else would and witnessed him overcome adversity in the most dramatic way."
Of his star, Fogelson added, "Pete is perfect for this role and we're excited he and Jason will be bringing this icon of rock to life and thrilled to be collaborating once again with our friends at Netflix."
Leigh wrote his I Slept with Joey Ramone memoir with American journalist Legs McNeil, releasing the book in 2010. Joey Ramone died of cancer in 2001 at age 49.
Earlier this week, Davidson's The Freak Brothers received a full eight-episode season order.