by Conan Simmons – April 15, 2021 – 6:56 pm
There is a new musical biopic in the works over at Netflix focusing on the classic punk band from New York City, The Ramones, based on a memoir by lead singer Joey Ramone’s younger brother, Mickey Leigh.
The Ramones made their debut with a self titled album in 1974 and went on to star in the 1979 comedy ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll High School’ directed by Allan Arkush & Joe Dante.
The new film, based on the 2009 memoir ‘I Slept with Joey Ramone’ by Mickey Leigh who is also executive producing, is set to star popular comedian from ‘Saturday Night Live’ Pete Davidson as lead singer Joey Ramone. Director Jason Orley, who has worked with Davidson on a stand-up special, is set to direct. Both Pete Davidson and Jason Orley are writing the screenplay.
The Ramones broke up in 1996 and the original four bandmates passed away in the following years. Joey Ramone died of lymphoma in 2001. Bassist Dee Dee Ramone died in 2002. Guitarist Johnny Ramone passed in 2004 and drummer Tommy Ramone in 2014.
The film is expected to keep the title of the memoir ‘I Slept with Joey Ramone’.
No other word on casting has been announced at this time.