The superstar DJ known simply asDiplohas signed on to joinDakota Johnsonin the upcoming comedyCoversalong withEddie IzzardandBill Pullman, it was announced Thursday.
Black-ishstarTracee Ellis RossandIce Cubeare set to co-star in the film, whichNisha Ganatra(Late Night) is directing from a script by newcomerFlora Greeson. Haling from Focus Features and Working Title,Coversis set in the fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene, so Diplo’s casting makes a lot of sense… or at least more sense than his cameo inDetective Pikachu.
Johnson will play an aspiring music producer who endures an exhausting job as the assistant to a legendary singer (Ross) while trying to launch her own career. I assume that she’ll cross paths with Diplo at some point along the way, and hopefully he’ll have some helpful advice for her, likeStan Leedid forJason Lee’s Brodie inMallrats. No word on whether he’ll contribute original music to the soundtrack or oversee its production.
Tim BevanandEric Fellnerwill produceCoversfor Working Title, whoseAlexandra Loewywill serve as executive producer. Production is currently under way in Los Angeles, and Focus executiveKiska Higgsis overseeing the project on behalf of the studio, whose parent company, Universal Pictures, recently committed to working with more female directors as part of Times Up’s 4% Challenge.
Diplo is the Grammy-winning DJ who has worked with major artists includingBeyoncé,Justin BieberandMadonna. In addition to releasing music under his own name ,he is a member of LSD with Labyrinth andSia, Silk City withMark Ronson, and Major Lazer.
Izzard most recently starred inVictoria & Abdul, while his other feature credits includeOcean’s ThirteenandAcross the Universe. He also co-starred on NBC’sHannibal, which was prematurely canceled. Izzard is represented by APA and Conway van Gelder Grant.
Best known for his starring role inSpaceballsand his epic speech inIndependence Day, Pullman was most recently seen on the acclaimed seriesThe Sinner, and in the Fox Searchlight movieBattle of the Sexes. He’s repped by ICM Partners and Anonymous Content.
Johnson next stars oppositeShia LaBeoufinThe Peanut Butter Falcon, and she has also wrapped the indie movieThe Friend, which pairs her withJason SegelandCasey Affleck. Sources also suggest that her new movieWounds, which co-starsArmie Hammer, appears to have been retitledInvisible Filth.
