This past weekend Sublime took the stage at Riot Fest, delivering a performance that embodied the laid-back but fiery spirit they’ve championed for decades and recently revived with the help of Jakob Nowell, late singer Bradley’s only son.
The Chicago crowd was on fire, grooving to classics like “Badfish“, “Santeria“, and “Summertime“, proving the trio’s timeless sound remains as captivating as ever. But the real bombshell came when the band shared some exciting news—Sony’s 3000 Pictures is set to bring Sublime’s story to the big screen.
The highly anticipated biopic, which has been in development for some time, has officially secured its leading star and director. KJ Apa, best known for his breakout role as Archie in Riverdale and most recently in One Fast Move, has been cast to play Sublime’s iconic frontman, Bradley Nowell. Apa’s involvement is already sparking excitement, given his growing reputation in Hollywood. Directing the film is Justin Chon, who earned acclaim for his work on Blue Bayou. Not only will Chon be directing, but he’s also co-writing the screenplay alongside Bobby Hundreds, based on a draft by Chris Mundy.
Sublime’s band members, Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, along with Bradley Nowell’s widow, Troy Nowell, and son, Jakob, are onboard as executive producers. With family involvement and Chon’s authentic, sensitive touch in storytelling, fans are hopeful that this film will offer a deep and accurate portrayal of Nowell’s life and the band’s rise to fame. Francis Lawrence, known for The Hunger Games series, is also executive producing the project, ensuring a solid creative team behind the biopic.
Sublime’s impact on the music world is undeniable.
Their unique fusion of reggae, punk, ska, folk, and hip-hop not only spawned a genre but also created a movement that still resonates 30 years later. Hits like “Wrong Way“ and “Santeria“continue to receive airplay, reaching new generations of fans. It’s the raw, unfiltered energy of Bradley Nowell’s voice combined with the band’s gritty instrumentation that keeps Sublime a staple in alternative music.
While details on the biopic’s release date remain under wraps, fans left Riot Fest buzzing with excitement about what’s to come. In the meantime, Sublime’s legacy continues to grow, both through their timeless music and now, an upcoming film that promises to take us deeper into their storied past.
If Riot Fest was any indication, Sublime is still as relevant and beloved as ever—and the announcement of the biopic is just another milestone in their enduring legacy.
Photo by Thea Wilson