Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson has been cast in the titular role of Netflix’s I Slept with Joey Ramone, according to Entertainment Weekly. The upcoming biopic “chronicles the life of the iconic frontman of the Ramones,” and the project and casting choice have both been announced on the twentieth anniversary of Ramone’s death.
The movie is an adaptation of Mickey Leigh’s–Ramone’s brother–2009 memoir of the same name, and is being co-written by Davidson and his frequent collaborator, Jason Orley (Big Time Adolescence, Pete Davidson: Alive From New York), who will also direct the film. The adaptation is being made with the cooperation and support of Ramone’s estate.
“I Slept with Joey Ramone is a great rock anthem that will make an equally great rock biopic, set apart by a universal story of family,” said Adam Fogelson, chairman of production company STX Films. “Pete is perfect for this role and we’re excited he and Jason will be bringing this icon of rock to life… [Leigh] 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.”
Phrased that way, Davidson’s interest in the role–and the public’s way into seeing him as the musician–makes complete sense. While mostly known for his role as a performer on SNL, Davidson has also recently been branching out into bigger dramatic parts, including The King of Staten Island in 2020 and Netflix’s Motley Crue biopic The Dirt in 2019. On the horizon, Davidson will appear in The Suicide Squad this August.
