KJ Apa To Star In Sublime Biopic From 3000 Pictures And ‘Blue Bayou’ Director Justin Chon

Justin Kroll

19 September 2024 at 3:00 pm·3-min read

EXCLUSIVE: 3000 Pictures’ biopic on the Long Beach band Sublime is gaining serious traction and some major talent as sources tell Deadline that KJ Apa is attached to star as Bradley Nowell in the film, with Justin Chon on board to direct. Chon is also writing the screenplay with Bobby Hundreds, based on Chris Mundy’s original draft.

Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping and David Ready from Chernin Entertainment are producing the film, which is in development. Original Sublime members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson are executive producing along with Nowell’s son Jakob Nowell — who now is Sublime’s lead singer — and widow Troy Nowell on behalf of the late singer’s estate. Francis Lawrence also is executive producing, as is Jamie Spetner, Director of Development at Chernin Entertainment. Marisa Paiva is overseeing the project for 3000 Pictures.

More from Deadline

The laid-back 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 the band’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 and cementing Sublime as a cultural staple that continues to reach new audiences.

When it came to playing 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 offer recently followed after the estate signed off on it.

As for Chon, Chernin and the Blue Bayou director 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 as Archie in the CW’s 2017-23 series Riverdale. He most recently starred in Prime Video’s 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 Blue Bayou, which also starred Alicia Vikander and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 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 also was lauded with the Someone to Watch Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards. His other credits include feature film Ms. Purple and the Apple TV+ series Pachinko. Up next, he directed and executive produced the pilot episode of the tentpole 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. 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.

Best of Deadline