Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is the latest in a long line of musical biopics. This time, it follows the life of America's favorite accordionist, Weird Al Yankovic.
The story is at once a biopic and a parody of them, as the events of the story are "true" with massive quotation marks. Regardless, the movie tracks Al Yankovic as he discovers the accordion and becomes Weird Al, the high-flying musical satirist the world will come to love. This ridiculous romp features a cast of excellent actors, many of which will be instantly familiar to audiences.
Daniel Radcliffe - Harry Potter (2001-2011)
Daniel Radcliffe, who stars as the titular character of Weird Al, is internationally known for his work in the Harry Potter franchise. The movies follow its titular character, a young boy who discovers he is a wizard, as he grows up and fights the evil wizard Voldemort at every turn.
While Radcliffe's association with "The Boy Who Lived" may make his casting as Weird Al hard to believe, he now pursues roles far outside this genre, so it isn't such a leap. The character of Weird Al, an eccentric but charming young man, harkens back to his work as the kooky yet charismatic Abigail Fairfax in this year's The Lost City.
Evan Rachel Wood - Westworld (2016-Present)
Evan Rachel Wood, who stars as Madonna (yes, that one), may be most well-known for her role as Dolores Abernathy in HBO's brilliant (not to mention quotable) show, Westworld. The series is set in a futuristic theme park inhabited by artificial beings, and tracks the goings-on of its "people".
An established actor in her own right, Wood has many characters under her belt, but Abernathy and Madonna could not be more different. Abernathy is an artificial being, and so her performance is a very complex display of artificial emotion. Madonna, on the other hand, will no doubt be as loud and flamboyant as is expected.
Rainn Wilson - The Office U.S. (2005-2013)
Rainn Wilson appears as Dr. Demento in Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, but he is best known for playing Dwight Shrute in The Office. The show, which has become a treasure trove of memes, follows the lives of office workers at the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company.
Wilson seems to be a perfect choice for this oddball character, as he will once again be putting his comedic talents to good use. His role as Dwight in The Office, for example, is a mixture of deadpan and outlandish; Wilson seems to be channeling both for this performance, and it is set to have audiences in hysterics.
Toby Huss - King Of The Hill (1997-2010)
Huss, who appears as Nick Yankovic in the movie, may be most famous for his work as Cotton Hill on the animated sitcom, King Of The Hill. The show centers on the Hill family, led by Hank Hill, as they go about their lives, getting themselves in all sorts of predicaments.
Huss' work with the long-running sitcom stands him in good stead for the Weird Al biopic. He will, once again, be able to flex his comedic muscles, whilst portraying a different kind of character. While Cotton Hill, Hank Hill's father, is a disgruntled veteran with a strained relationship with his son, Nick Yankovic is a hilariously mean caricature of Al's real dad.
Julianne Nicholson - Boardwalk Empire (2011)
Nicholson appears as Mary Yankovic, Al's mother, but her most notable work is, arguably, as Esther Randolph in the masterful crime drama, Boardwalk Empire. The show is set during Prohibition-era New Jersey and tracks the gradual corruption of the federal government.
Crime drama and comedy are about as far apart as genres can be, so it's a chance for Nicholson to branch out and try something new. The role of Mary Yankovic, as seen in the trailer, is almost comically dry and cruel, whereas the role of Esther Randolph is one of steely-eyed determination against an unjust system. Worlds apart, for sure, but an exciting opportunity for her.
Quinta Brunson - Abbott Elementary (2021-Present)
Quinta Brunson transforms into Oprah Winfrey for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, yet her face is most recognizable from her role as Janine Teagues in the series Abbott Elementary. The show, a mockumentary sitcom, follows the lives of students at a predominantly black school.
These roles, despite being from wildly different socioeconomic backgrounds, are similar in spirit. Oprah has a reputation of being the kindest woman on the planet, giving out free cars, free everything... just to help those who watch her show. Janine Teagues, an optimistic 2nd-grade teacher, wants desperately to help out her young students. They're basically the same person.
Spencer Treat Clark - Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2015-2018)
While a relatively unknown actor, Clark, who appears as Weird Al's bassist, Steve Jay, is known for his work as Werner von Strucker in Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. The show follows its titular agents, a small and secretive group, who assemble to tackle the cases that remain declassified.
Full of memorable characters, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. shows Clark's talents as both a physical performer and as a dramatic actor. Werner von Strucker may be seen as weak and spoilt, but he keeps his wits about him. The role of Steve Jay, on the other hand, is based on a real person (fictionalized, obviously) yet deals with his life in a comedic fashion.
Dot-Marie Jones - Glee (2009-2015)
Actress, and occasional arm-wrestling world-champion, Dot-Marie Jones appears as Mama Bear, but is best known for her role as Coach Beiste in the hit series Glee. The show follows the lives of students in William McKinley High School's "Glee Club".
These two roles are both comedic in nature, yet they are vastly different in delivery, and thus will give Jones a chance to display her acting skills. Coach Beiste, who becomes integral to the show's final season, is dealt unfair hands in life and comes out a better person because of them. What little is known of Mama Bear's role indicates a far wackier performance is on the way...
Will Forte - Nebraska (2013)
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An established actor and comedian, Will Forte appears as a record exec in the movie, yet is perhaps best known for his starring role in Alexander Payne's Nebraska. The movie, follows an elderly man and his son, played by Forte, as they travel to collect a $1 million lottery prize.
Tonally, the Weird Al biopic and Nebraska could not be more different: one is a wild comedy, whilst the other is a muted drama. His performance is Nebraska is excellent, full of frustration and a quiet resignation, whereas his role in Weird: The Al Yankovic Story will be wildly over-the-top and comical, tapping into his comedic sensibilities.
"Weird Al" Yankovic - The Naked Gun Franchise (1988-1994)
The man of the hour appears as a record executive in his own biopic, yet, aside from his music, is most known for his appearances in The Naked Gun franchise. The movies follow Frank Drebin, a painfully incompetent police sergeant, who somehow manages to get things done without dying.
Appearing as himself in entries 1 & 3, then as a thug in the 2nd picture, Al is no stranger to self-deprecation, and no doubt his appearance in his own biopic will poke fun at himself, whilst also making jest of so-called industry experts. Fans will no doubt love to see Al back on the big screen, and his unmistakable wit will most definitely be on display.