Daniel Radcliffe Is Playing "Weird" Al Yankovic in a New Biopic
If “Weird” Al Yankovic is correct, Daniel Radcliffe is about to embark on a role that might soon eclipse Harry Potter. And also one that will require him to get comfortable with an accordion.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Radcliffe is committed to Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, a probably-not-wholly-accurate biopic of the parody musician’s life and times. The film will premiere on The Roku Channel streaming service.
“When my last movie UHF came out in 1989, I made a solemn vow to my fans that I would release a major motion picture every 33 years, like clockwork," Yankovic said. "I’m very happy to say we’re on schedule. And I am absolutely thrilled that Daniel Radcliffe will be portraying me in the film. I have no doubt whatsoever that this is the role future generations will remember him for.”
The Weird movie was written by Yankovic and Eric Appel, with Appel directing. While plot details were not disclosed, it’s said to be an examination of Yankovic’s “famously depraved lifestyle.”
Yankovic produced a project with a similar premise in The Compleat Al, a 1985 Showtime mockumentary that offered a fictional take on Yankovic’s life and career interspersed with music videos.
While Roku is primarily known as a gateway streaming stick, its Roku Channel offers original programming. Their first original film, Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas, premiered in December; the service plans to add 50 original series over the next two years.
[h/t The Hollywood Reporter]