Saturday Night Live comedian Pete Davidson has been cast as punk rock icon Joey Ramone in the upcoming Netflix adaptation of Mickey Leigh’s book, I Slept With Joey Ramone.
Davidson will not only play the role of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, but he is also working on the film’s processing with director Jason Orley and is one of the film’s executive producers.
Although Davidson is best known for his tenure on Saturday Night Live, he has added to his acting resume in recent years, he has starred in The King of Staten Island and has landed roles in The Rookie, The Dirt, and Big Time. Adolescence and the upcoming films The Suicide. Squad and American Sole.
As stated, the book was written by Mickey Leigh, Joey Ramone’s brother. Adam Fogelson, whose STXfilms is developing the film with Netflix, says, “When you share a bed with someone – and not just a bed, but a childhood, a family and a life – you know that person better than anyone. Mickey Leigh didn’t just collaborate with his big brother’s band – he has irreplaceable memories and glimpses of Joey Ramone, having supported him when no one else would and watched him overcome the adversity of the most dramatic way. “
He continues: “I slept with Joey Ramone is a great rock anthem that will make an equally great rock biopic, aside from a universal family story. Pete is perfect for the role and we’re excited that he and Jason are bringing this rock icon to life and excited to collaborate with our friends at Netflix again. “
Ramone was born on May 19, 1951 as Jeffrey Ross Hyman. As the lead singer of the Ramones, he was central to the band’s rise as anchors of the 1970s punk rock movement. The band broke up in 1996. Sadly, Joey Ramone passed away on April 15, 2001, a year before the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Two posthumous solo albums – Don’t Worry About Me from 2002 and Ya Know? – were issued after Joey’s death.
The film is being produced in cooperation and with the support of the estate of Joey Ramone.
