'Weird Al' movie release date speculation, Daniel Radcliffe and cast news
The Harry Potter star will take on the legendary comedy recording artist in an upcoming biopic.
Daniel Radcliffe will transform into musical legend 'Weird Al' Yankovic in an upcoming biopic, WEIRD: The Weird Al Yankovic Story.
The Roku Original film will explore all aspects of Yankovic's life and career, which has spanned over 45 years, including his rise to fame following the release of parodies like Eat It and Like a Surgeon, and how he went on to win five Grammy awards, six platinum records and a Billboard 200 number one album – Mandatory Fun.
WEIRD: The Weird Al Yankovic Story will also chart Yankovic’s celebrity love affairs and his lifestyle off stage.
And it looks like the movie will live up to its title, if the first trailer is anything to go by, which gives fans a look at the Lost City star getting, well, weird.
Radcliffe speaks into a microphone, saying: “Hope you guys are ready for this”, before cranking out one of Yankovic’s trademark tunes.
The footage then shows Radcliffe parading around the stage topless whilst spitting out whiskey and playing the accordion.
The clip also gives viewers a glimpse of Madonna, played by Evan Rachel Wood, as Radcliffe's Al lets her into a mansion.
Scroll down this article to watch the trailer in full.
During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Radcliffe said he was surprised when Yankovic chose him for the role, never having met him.
“When I talked to Al for the first time, I was like, ‘I’m immensely flattered by the idea that you would pick me to play you, but like, why me? I’m mystified but excited,’” the Harry Potter actor said.
He then recalled that a rendition he did of Tom Lehrer’s song The Elements on The Graham Norton Show over a decade ago.
“I sang The Elements next to Colin Farrell and a very bemused Rihanna,” the actor said. “I think she was like, ‘Who is this kid, and why is he singing all of the Elements?
“I guess Al saw that and was like, ‘This guy maybe gets it,'” he added. “And so he picked me. So I’m very, very lucky, and now I’ve gotten to have accordion lessons with Al. I can go to my grave with that.”
The Grammy Award-winning musician previously shared a photo of Harry Potter star Radcliffe on set as Yankovic while playing the accordion, adding the caption: "SHOOT DAY #8: It never fails - we’re trying to shoot a movie here, and this cosplayer weirdo tries to crash our set. Ugh! I mean, I love my fans, but… boundaries, people! Don’t worry, we had security throw him out."
Eric Appel will direct the movie, co-write it Yankovic and serve as executive producer.
Here's everything else we know about Weird: The Weird Al Yankovic Story...
'Weird Al' movie release date speculation
Filming for Weird: The Weird Al Yankovic Story is now complete and the latest teaser has revealed when we can expect the film to come out.
While an exact release date hasn't been confirmed, it was announced the film will arrive "this Fall" – or autumn 2022 to anyone on this side of the pond.
'Weird Al' movie cast
Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe will play Al Yankovic.
Radcliffe previously said of his casting: "Wearing the Hawaiian shirt is a huge responsibility that I don’t take lightly,” said Radcliffe in a statement on Tuesday. "I’m honoured to finally share with the world the absolutely 100% unassailably true story of Weird Al’s depraved and scandalous life."
Yankovic - who has co-written the film - added in a statement: "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."
What's more, Evan Rachel Wood will star as Madonna, it has been confirmed.
The Westworld actress shared a photo of herself on set dressed up as the Queen of Pop, and added the caption: "The secret's out! I am having WAY TOO MUCH FUN playing the iconic Madonna in @therokuchannel's WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story with Daniel Radcliffe."
Yankovic has also confirmed that the cast will include Rainn Wilson, Toby Russ and Julianne Nicholson.
Is there a trailer for the 'Weird Al' movie?
Yes, a trailer for the 'Weird Al' movie has landed, giving fans a first look at Radcliffe in his new role.
Radcliffe speaks into a microphone, saying: “Hope you guys are ready for this,” before cranking out one of Yankovic’s trademark tunes.
The footage then shows Radcliffe parading around the stage topless and spitting out whiskey, while his hit Like a Surgeon – a parody of Madonna's song Like a Virgin – plays in the background.
The clip also gives viewers a glimpse of Madonna, played by Evan Rachel Wood, as Radcliffe's Al lets her into a mansion and says: "Well what can I say? I'm full of surprises," before battling with the front door as he tries to close it. Watch below:
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