Things are about to get weird: Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has been tapped to portray “Weird Al” Yankovic in an upcoming biopic.
You read that correctly. Roku Channel, Funny or Die and Tango are producing a biopic about the multi-Grammy-winning accordion player and musical parody genius “Weird Al” Yankovic starring Daniel Radcliffe.
Officially titled WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story, the screenplay was written by Yankovic and Eric Appel (you may know him for his work leading episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine or New Girl). Appel will also be filling the director’s chair when production begins in Los Angeles next month.
Coming 33 years after the release of Yankovic’s last movie UHF (1989), this biopic will give fans a new look into the life of the musician. The official synopsis promises the film will cover everything “from his meteoric rise to fame with early hits like ‘Eat It’ and ‘Like a Surgeon’ to his torrid celebrity love affairs and famously depraved lifestyle. WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story takes audiences on a truly unbelievable journey through Yankovic’s life and career, from gifted child prodigy to the greatest musical legend of all time.”
While Radcliffe may seem like a unique choice for the role, Yankovic is reportedly thrilled that Radcliffe is onboard to portray him. Not to mention, Radcliffe has had great success on Broadway even starring in How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying to flex his musical skills. Plus his recent work on Miracle Workers has definitely prepared him for a role that may be a little more out of the box.
