One of the most prolific music acts of the 1990s is getting some big screen love from Hollywood: A new film on SOCAL reggae punk legends Sublime is in development. Sony Pictures with The Hunger Games helmer Francis Lawrence attached to direct. Sony’s 3000 Pictures, Chernin Entertainment, Dave Kaplan and Peter Paterno are developing the film; Kaplan and Paterno, the driving forces behind the property for years, played a huge part in putting the pieces together.
The Man behind the pen is none other than Ozark writer Chris Mundy with Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping and David Ready producing for Chernin Entertainment along with Lawrence and Kaplan of Surfdog/DKM and Paterno of KHPS.
Executive producers are Sublime band members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, Troy Nowell and Jakob Nowell on behalf of Bradley Nowell’s estate, and Surfdog/DKM’s Scott Seine. Cameron MacConomy is executive producing.
“Wow — we can’t believe this is finally happening, and we couldn’t be more honored and excited to have the great Francis Lawrence and Chris Mundy telling our story,” said Sublime’s Gaugh and Wilson, along with Bradley’s widow Troy Nowell and son Jake. “We are so grateful to Peter Paterno and Dave Kaplan/Surfdog for their years of persistence and vision in getting this film going and thankful to Sony’s 3000 Pictures and Chernin Entertainment for believing in us and getting it on the big screen. We know Bradley’s talent and spirit will be part of this incredible journey.”
The laid-back Long Beach trio Sublime spawned an entire genre — fusing reggae grooves, punk grittiness, ska energy, back-porch folk introspection and hip-hop swagger. The wide appeal made it a household name, a milestone uniquely reached only after the untimely passing of lead singer Bradley Nowell at 28 just as the band was catching fire. “What I Got,” “Santeria,” “Wrong Way,” and “Doin’ Time” endure as innovative staples from the ’90s alternative boom with continued radio airplay and massive commercial success 30 years after they first hit the airwaves.
“We’re thrilled Sublime’s insanely cool and important story will finally be told,” said manager Kaplan. “They were fearless and pioneering in bringing together so many musical genres, cultures and lifestyles during their short time as a band, and their music is still influencing musicians and artists to this day. Peter Paterno and I spent the last six years searching for the right partners, and we are pinching ourselves with this ‘Dream Team’ of Elizabeth Gabler and Marisa Paiva at 3000 Pictures, Francis Lawrence, Chris Mundy and the Chernin folks and can’t wait to see this film get made.”
