New Zealand actor KJ Apa, whose full name is Keneti James Fitzgerald Apa, will portray musician Bradley Nowell in the biopic Sublime. The film has enlisted director Justin Chon, who is co-writing the screenplay with Bobby Hundreds, using an initial draft by Chris Mundy. Sony-owned 3000 Pictures is developing the biopic.
Fans appeared thrilled by this news as the internet has gone into a frenzy with comments and reactions from music lovers. One X user wrote:
“KJ Apa really went all in for this role! Two years of dedication and persistence? That kind of passion is exactly what a biopic like Sublime needs.”
Some users on X expressed excitement about the actor's role in the biopic, while others praised his acting abilities.
“Sounds like he was relentless in chasing the role. Hoping that means he will do really well with it,” a person commented on X.
“That’s awesome! KJ Apa as Bradley Nowell is going to be epic. Can't wait to see him bring that energy to the screen!” a netizen wrote.
“His drive and body with someone else’s acting ability would be unstoppable,” an X user reacted.
Netizens responded that this role could be a chance for the actor to make a significant impact. Some users on X seemed to hold back their opinions.
“Most of his Riverdale co stars have been doing pretty well while he’s been MIA. This could either get him back on the track or lose it,” an online user wrote.
“I hope he gets to sing Date Rape,” another person commented.
“thrilled about a sublime biopic but this casting is...well, i'll try to reserve judgement i guess. maybe i'll be pleasantly surprised,” a netizen reacted.
Sublime is being produced by Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, and David Ready from Chernin Entertainment. Original Sublime band members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, the late Bradley Nowell's wife, Troy Nowell, and his son, Jakob Nowell, will serve as executive producers alongside Francis Lawrence.
Marisa Paiva at 3000 Pictures and Jamie Spetner, director of development at Chernin Entertainment, are managing the project.
Sublime’s producers felt KJ Apa was perfect for Bradley Nowell’s role
As per Deadline, sources indicated that KJ Apa pursued the role of Nowell for nearly two years. After several meetings and submitting numerous self-tapes to demonstrate his commitment, producers, and executives recognized he was the ideal choice for the part, leading to a recent offer once the estate approved it.
KJ Apa is best known for his breakout role as Archie in the CW series Riverdale, which aired from 2017 to 2023. He recently appeared in Prime Video's motorcycle drama One Fast Move, which was released in August. He has also completed filming Gulfstream's upcoming romantic comedy Falling. His other works include Songbird, The Last Summer, and The Hate U Give.
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The music band originated in Long Beach, California, and the alternative rock band achieved breakthrough success with their 1996 self-titled third studio album, Sublime, which was released just two months after Nowell's death from a drug overdose at the age of 28.
Known for hits like What I Got and Santeria, Sublime performed at Coachella earlier this year, with the frontman's son, Jakob Nowell, making his debut as the lead singer.
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