Francis Lawrence is set to direct Sony’s 3000 Pictures’ Sublime biopic. The film is being produced by Chernin Entertainment, Dave Kaplan, Peter Paterno and Lawrence. Chris Mundy, well known for his writing in Ozark, is set to write the script.

Band members Bud Gaugh, Eric Wilson, Troy Nowell and Jakob Nowell (on behalf of Bradley Nowell’s estate) as well as Surfdog/DKM’s Scott Seine are executive producing.

The Long Beach trio has managed to create their own genre of reggae grooves, punk grittiness, ska energy, folk introspection and hip-hop swagger into their music. With so much variety in their music, it’s no wonder how Sublime became a household name. With hits like “What I Got”, “Santeria”, “Wrong Way’, and “Doin’ Time”, the band has been very successful since their 90’s introduction.

Sublime singer and guitarist Bradley Nowell famously passed away in 1996 from a drug overdose. Drummer Bud Gaugh and bassist Eric Wilson, along with Bradley’s widow Troy Nowell and son Jake Nowell, have expressed their excitement about the picture. They have said in a statement they are “honored” to have Francis Lawrence and Chris Mundy heading the project.

Additionally, they feel very appreciative towards attorney Peter Paterno and band manager Dave Kaplan “for their years of persistence and vision” for the film as well as Sony’s 3000 Pictures and Chernin Entertainment for trusting the film and supporting it on it’s journey to the big screen. In a heartfelt addition, the band and family said that they “know Bradley’s talent and spirit will be part of this incredible journey”.

Kaplan himself spoke on the project conveying his own personal eagerness towards the film.  He says that Paterno and himself “spent the last 6 years searching for the right partners” and “can’t wait to see this film get made”. Kaplan also mentioned he and Paterno are “pinching” themselves because they get to work with a “dream team” like Elizabeth Gabler and Marisa Paiva at 3000 Pictures, Francis Lawrence, Chris Mundy and the people at Chernin Entertainment.

Marisa Paiva will oversee the project for 3000 Pictures with Jamie Spetner (director of development at Chernin Entertainment)

Lawrence is about ready to release Slumberland, a Netflix film starring Jason Momoa and is also in works on the new Hunger Games film, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.