Filming commences for Basquiat biopic in Manhattan's East Village neighborhood
In the heart of New York City's East Village, the set of a new biopic about the legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat is taking shape. Titled "Samo Lives," the film is currently in production, with filming commencing in September 2025.
Directed by Julius Onah, known for his work on "The Cloverfield Paradox" (2018) and "Luce" (2019), "Samo Lives" promises to offer a fresh perspective on Basquiat's life. Unlike previous portrayals, such as the 1996 biopic "Basquiat," written and directed by Julian Schnabel, and the documentary "The Radiant Child," directed by Basquiat's friend Tamra Davis, "Samo Lives" aims to differentiate itself from the narrative and style of its predecessors.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. has been cast as Basquiat in "Samo Lives," with no other actors announced yet. Interestingly, someone has also been cast to play Basquiat's friend and frequent collaborator, Andy Warhol, who, coincidentally, rented an apartment and studio space to Basquiat at 57 Great Jones from 1983 until Basquiat's death in 1988.
Interestingly, 57 Great Jones is a 15-minute walk west from where "Samo Lives" is currently filming. Today, this building is rented by Angelina Jolie for her Atelier Jolie endeavor.
Basquiat himself lived in several apartments in the East Village over the years, and his graffiti tag, Samo©, could often be found scrawled on buildings along the Bowery. "Downtown 81," a film shot in the early 1980s and released in 2000, features Basquiat as a young, up-and-coming downtown artist. Remarkably, Basquiat himself starred in this film.
As the filming of "Samo Lives" continues, fans of Basquiat's work and those eager to learn more about his life will undoubtedly be watching with anticipation. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting new project.
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