Pete Davidson has been cast as punk icon Joey Ramone in an upcoming Netflix biopic.
Per the streaming giant, the film will be based on the 2009 book I Slept with Joey Ramone: A Punk Rock Family Memoir by Mickey Leigh, Ramone’s brother. The film will also be titled I Slept with Joey Ramone and will be a joint venture between Netflix and STXfilms.
In a statement, Chairman of STXfilms Adam Fogelson said, “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. 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.”
Fogelson added, “‘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. Pete is perfect for this role and we’re excited he and [director] Jason [Orley] will be bringing this icon of rock to life and thrilled to be collaborating once again with our friends at Netflix.”
Netflix notes, “Orley and Davidson previously teamed up on the feature film ‘Big Time Adolescence,’ which Orley wrote and directed. Orley also directed Davidson’s standup special ‘Alive from New York’ for Netflix…The film will be made with the cooperation and support of the Estate of Joey Ramone and with the assistance of Rosegarten Films.”
