By Briasia Russ

Yasiin Bey will play Thelonious Monk in a biopic dedicated to the iconic avant garde jazz pianist. 

 The upcoming biopic will focus on Monk’s life, his struggle with mental illness, and his love life. According to Okay Player, the casting and film were announced in a press release on Wednesday.  

“Thelonious Sphere Monk. A leader. A Lord. A shape in space. A man from a community of devotion who lives a simple life distant from society,” Bey said in a statement. 

Pete Lord Moreland, the film producer and screenwriter, is excited for Bey to play the iconic pianist. “I am so thrilled Yasiin has signed on to play Monk, his artistic measure, his approach and so many other intangibles are perfect to bring Thelonious to life,” Moreland said.  

Alberto Marzan adds that he is also looking forward to Bey’s Thelonious role. “The moment I met Yasiin I knew we found our Thelonious. It’s an honor to be the first to tell this important story in an epic way since it’s never been told before, we are swinging for the fences on this one. It’s a luxury to be the team to tell this important story,” Marzan said.   

The production team will begin working on the film sometime next year.