The film adaptation of David Byrne‘s American Utopia Broadway show, directed by Spike Lee, has been acquired by HBO. The premium cable network will broadcast the concert film from the former Talking Heads frontman later this year.
The Broadway show based on Byrne’s 2018 album of the same name is also set to receive a book adaptation. American Utopia the book is set for release in the fall, and will be edited, designed, and illustrated by Alex and Maira Kalman, who both worked on the stage production.
The announcement of HBO’s acquisition of American Utopia did not give a specific date for the film’s airing, other than “later this year.” As live events remain shut down due to COVID-19, audiences are certainly starved to see Byrne’s award-winning stage adaptation of his solo catalogue as well as Talking Heads classics. In February, Byrne announced a second leg of performances that would stretch from September 18th and continue to January 17th, 2021. As of this publication tickets for those shows are still available and they are presumably set to go on as planned. Whatever happens in regards to the live performances, however, fans around the world will still be able to tune into the film adaptation of American Utopia later this year. Byrne said of the collaboration,
Spike and I have crossed paths many times over the years, obviously I’m a huge fan and now finally here was an opportunity for us to work together. I am absolutely thrilled with the result. The Broadway show was a wonderful challenge as well as an opportunity – it was a joy to perform and, well, best to let the quotes speak for themselves. Thrilled that this show and the subjects it addresses will now reach a wider audience.
Lee echoed that sentiment in a statement of his own,
It is my honor and privilege that my art brother, Mr. David Byrne, asked me to join him in concert, to invite me into his magnificent world of American Utopia. And dat’s da ‘once in a lifetime’ truth, Ruth. Ya-dig? Sho-nuff. Peace and love. Be safe.
For more information on the various American Utopia adaptations, click here.
[H/T Deadline]