A word for that long-awaited biopic about the ska-punk icons Sublime: it finally gains traction and sets its sights on KJ Apa to portray the late lead singer Bradley Nowell. Directed by Justin Chon, whose past films consist of the critically acclaimed Gook and Blue Hour, the movie takes aim at the music of Sublime, the turbulent life of Nowell, and the cultural influence of the group during the 1990s.
Sublime’s founding in 1988 by one man, Bradley Nowell, has made him the symbol of the Southern California music scene. His reggae, punk, and hip-hop sounds embedded with love, captivating the band’s performances, propelled it to the topnotch, especially with Santeria, What I Got, and Wrong Way. However, drug abuse became a nightmare for Nowell, and he died in 1996, aged 28. All those would be portrayed in the film: his musical genius and personal fight, which would perfectly balance up an image of one of the best critically acclaimed legacies in music.
KJ Apa, of course, is well known for his starring role as Archie Andrews in the hugely popular TV series Riverdale, and he brings his own talent as well as charisma to the role of Nowell. Fans are surely going to be eager to see how he will be interpreting some of the qualities of the late singer with whom he has somehow identified himself. Past work by Apa has definitely shown deep emotional expression to be crucial in portraying Nowell’s difficult character and the burden he bore.
Justin Chon is full of enthusiasm talking about bringing this story to life, having always had a passion for honouring the memory of Bradley Nowell and the music that continues to inspire so many fans today. Chon has a unique vision and experience with tackling complicated characters, which makes him a perfect fit for this biopic. He wants to make a movie that will not only celebrate the legacy of the band but also delve into the darker sides of fame and addiction to round out the story.
As part of a broader trend in which Hollywood revisits the lives of influential musicians, the audiences need stories authentic and honest to the relivings of their real-life struggles and triumphs. Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman have proved commercially possible music biopics that will likely captivate this era’s fans while introducing the story of Sublime to many more.
As production gets underway for the biopic about Sublime, everyone is getting excited over how the movie will go about managing to succeed in bringing home the band’s infectious energy and some poignant words penned by Nowell. A heartbreaking tribute awaits fans as KJ Apa comes on board and Justin Chon directs this film, set to tell of the highs and lows of a musical icon that changed the face of rock music. This film will be quite a celebration of Sublime’s abiding impact; one can be assured that the talents of Bradley Nowell will stay alive long enough in the newer generation.
