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EXCLUSIVE: 3000 Pictures biopic on the Long Beach band Sublime is gaining some serious traction and some major talent as sources tell Deadline KJ Apa is attached to star in the film on the iconic band with Justin Chon on board to direct. Chon is also writing the screenplay with screenwriter Bobby Hundreds, based on Chris Mundy’s original draft. The film is currently in development
Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, and David Ready from Chernin Entertainment are producing. Sublime band members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, Troy Nowell and Jakob Nowell on behalf of Bradley Nowell’s estate are executive producing. Francis Lawrence is executive producing. Marisa Paiva is overseeing the project for 3000 Pictures. Jamie Spetner, Director of Development at Chernin Entertainment, will exec produce.
The laid-back Long Beach trio Sublime spawned an entire genre—fusing reggae grooves, punk grittiness, ska energy, back porch folk introspection, and hip-hop swagger. The wide appeal of Sublime’s music made them a household name, a milestone uniquely reached only after the untimely passing of lead singer Bradley Nowell. “What I Got,” “Santeria,” “Wrong Way,” and “Doin’ Time” endure as innovative staples from the ’90s alternative boom with continued radio airplay and massive commercial success 30 years after they first hit the airwaves. The music remains timeless – bringing together an expansive community of listeners and passionate fans from all across the musical spectrum, cementing Sublime as a cultural staple that continues to live on and reach new audiences.
When it came to landing the role of Nowell, sources say Apa has spent almost two years chasing this role once he was aware of the project. Following several meetings along with Apa sending in numerous self-tapes to show his dedication to the part, producers and execs realized he was perfect for the role of Nowell and an offered recently followed after the estate signed off on it.
As for Chon, Chernin and the Blue Bayou director had recently worked together on the TV series Chief of War starring Jason Momoa and once production wrapped the two sides began discussing what they could work on next and landed on this film.
Apa is widely known for his breakout role in the Riverdale. He can most recently be seen starring in Prime Videos motorcycle drama One Fast Move, released this August. Apa recently finished shooting Gulfstream’s latest rom-rom Falling. Additional film credits include Songbird, The Last Summer, and The Hate U Give.
Chon wrote, directed, and starred in the critically acclaimed Blue Bayou, which also starred Alicia Vikander and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in Un Certain Regard ahead of its theatrical release by Focus Features and MACRO. Chon also wrote, directed and starred in Gook, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won the Best of Next! Audience Award. Gook was also lauded with the Someone to Watch award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards. His other credits include feature film Ms. Purple and the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series Pachinko. Up next, he directed and executive produced the pilot episode of the tentpole Jason Momoa led Apple series Chief of War produced by Chernin Entertainment.
Apa is repped by UTA, Luber Roklin Entertainment, Mandy Jacobsen, Red 11 Management and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner Auerbach Hynick Jaime LeVine Sample & Klein. Chon is represented by WME, Theresa Kang of Blue Marble Management, and McKuin Frankel. Hundreds is represented by UTA, Theresa Kang of Blue Marble Management, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.
