American Idiot, the successful Broadway musical based on the hit 2004 Green Day album of the same name, is being negotiated by Universal Pictures to be adapted into a feature film, deadline.com is reporting. Universal is looking at Dustin Lance Black, who won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar in 2009 for ‘Milk,’ to pen the script. Michael Mayer, who directed the Broadway musical, which is closing April 24, is in talks to helm the film version.
The movie is believed to follow the same plot-line as the Broadway musical, which is playing at the st. James Theatre in New York. American Idiot tells the coming-of-age story of three small-town guys, and features the songs from the album. Universal is reportedly looking at Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong to play the role of drug deal St. Jimmy. He portrayed the character in the musical, and Green Day was actively involved in the play’s formation.
The ‘American Idiot’ movie comes after Universal acquired the rights for the movie adaptation of Les Miserables. The studio was also looking at bringing In The Heights to the big screen, but decided not to go ahead with the deal. Universal is also interested in obtaining the film rights to Wicked.
Written by: Karen Benardello
