Michael Fassbender, renowned for his role in “X-Men: First Class,” is all set to take the lead in an upcoming biopic centered around the Irish rap sensation Kneecap. In a May exclusive, Variety confirmed the production of the film, aptly named “Kneecap” after the band, which promises to be a riotous anti-establishment comedy.
In this unconventional cinematic endeavor, “Kneecap” will feature the authentic members of the band – Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí – playing exaggerated versions of themselves. The band shot to stardom in 2018, captivating audiences with their unique blend of nationalist Irish rap, which fearlessly delved into the harsh realities of growing up in Northern Ireland in the aftermath of the Troubles, a period of civil conflict.
Michael Fassbender (Credits: BBC)
Notorious for their brazen antics, in 2019, Kneecap garnered attention for leading fervent chants of “Get the Brits out now” at a pub visited by Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, the day before.
The creative force behind the film “Kneecap” is the accomplished director Rich Peppiatt, recognized for his work on “One Rogue Reporter” and a music video for the band. He promised a cinematic experience that remains faithful to the band’s hedonistic and anarchic spirit, inviting both longtime Kneecap enthusiasts and newcomers to brace themselves for an unforgettable journey.
This cinematic endeavor is a collaborative effort between Mother Tongues Films and Fine Point Films, produced by Jack Tarling from Mother Tongues and Trevor Birney from Fine Point, with Patrick O’Neill from Wildcard serving as co-producer. Funding for the project has been secured from various sources, including the BFI through National Lottery funding, Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, TG4, and Northern Ireland Screen, in partnership with Great Point Media and Curzon.
International sales for “Kneecap” will be handled by the French sales agent Charades, while Curzon and Wildcard will manage distribution in the UK and Ireland. The project’s sales will officially commence at AFM. It’s worth noting that Fassbender’s involvement in the film predates the SAG-AFTRA strike.
