Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Universal Picking Up “American Idiot”

American Idiot, a Broadway musical based on the music of Green Day, was a huge hit on the Great White Way, earning several Tony Award nominations, as well as a legion of devoted fans.

Universal Studios having recently entered negotiations have nabbed the screen rights to the musical; The Hollywood Reporter relays the news. Additionally, stage director Michael Mayer will take over directing duties on the film as well; Dustin Lance Black, who won an Oscar for scripting Milk, looks to pen the script.


 
Though I can’t afford tickets to Broadway shows – and even if I could, I don’t live anywhere near New York City – I was ecstatic upon hearing about this stage musical. Mainstream rock and the musical genre – whether it’s on stage or in film – are two worlds that usually don’t combine, but this is a grand exception.

It’ll be quite easy to market to younger audiences (Green Day-endorsed, Billy Joe Armstrong apparently wants to star in it), and the Tony Awards pedigree could draw an older audience. Expect this musical to be more successful than most.

How do you feel about the film adaptation of American Idiot?

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