Weird Al is writing a biopic… about his own life. And he’s recruited Daniel Radcliffe to play him. It all sounds like a silly Mad Libs joke but we are very serious. And it will air on the Roku Channel, no less. Get ready because WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story is quickly on its way. Al Yankovic wrote the film with Eric Appel, who is also directing the biopic. And we now have a good look at the Swiss Army Man actor as the beloved singer as well as some of the other familiar faces surrounding him. Not to mention, we now know when WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story will release for our viewing pleasure.
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story‘s Release Date
We finally know when the the Weird Al movie will arrive. A new, incredible poster reveals the late fall release date. Weird: The Al Yankovic Story will release on November 4. And we absolutely cannot wait.
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story‘s Cast
In addition to Radcliffe, we recently learned from Variety that Quinta Brunson would portray Oprah Winfrey in the Weird Al movie. We don’t know too much more about what role Oprah will play in Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, but we do know Brunson will nail the performance.
An incredible update: Quinta Brunson is playing Oprah in the WEIRD AL movie. pic.twitter.com/t0RBaGQ6Pk
— Kate Feldman (@kateefeldman) July 19, 2022
Joining Brunson, Evan Rachel Wood will play none other than Madonna, while Julianna Nicholson and Toby Huss portray Mary and Nick Yankovic, aka Weird Al’s parents. And Rainn Wilson rounds out cast announcements (for now) as Dr. Demento. We don’t know what the other cast members look like as their characters yet, but we do know that Evan Rachel Wood makes a great Madonna.
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story‘s Synopsis
While we have so many questions about the upcoming film, its description walks us through the overview of what to expect:
The biopic holds nothing back, exploring every facet of Yankovic’s life, 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.”
We have nothing but the highest of hopes for this biopic. Weird Al and Daniel Radcliffe may seem like a very odd combo at first glance but it actually makes a ton of sense. Al Yankovic is nothing short of a delight. And Radcliffe has proven he is always game to get weird. So whatever they have in store for us, we’re ready for it.
Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al
And apparently, Radcliffe is ready for it too. The Miracle Workers star said in a statement, “Wearing the Hawaiian shirt is a huge responsibility that I don’t take lightly, and I’m honored to finally share with the world the absolutely 100 percent unassailably true story of Weird Al’s depraved and scandalous life.”
“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. I’m very happy to say we’re on schedule,” said Yankovic in a statement. “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.”
Funny or Die and Tango are producing WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story. In addition to co-writing and directing, Appel is also executive producer, with Al Yankovic also serving as a producer. Now, if rumblings of a Weird Al biopic might sound familiar—because it is.
In 2010, Funny or Die made a trailer for a biopic, also directed and written by Appel. Only in this iteration Aaron Paul was the titular comedic songwriter. Thankfully, a decade later, we’ll get to see the full scope of the surely hilarious project.
WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story doesn’t have a release date just yet, but it will likely debut in the fall.
Originally published January 18, 2022.
