Actor Daniel Radcliffe has transformed into multi-Grammy-winning performer “Weird Al” Yankovic in the first on-set photos from the upcoming biopic, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. Radcliffe, who is best known as boy wizard Harry Potter in author J.K. Rowling’s record-breaking film series of the same name, has taken on a wide variety of roles since the Potter series ended in 2011.
The 32-year-old seems to be attracted to stories of extraordinary real people, having tested this formula in films such as Kill Your Darlings, Jungle, and most recently, Escape From Pretoria. Perhaps because of his willingness to explore new challenges and never take himself too seriously along the way, Radcliffe was recently cast as Yankovic in Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. The film, which was co-written by Yankovic, will follow the comedic musician’s rise to fame and the strange yet fascinating life he’s lived throughout that time.
Last month it was announced that the former “Harry Potter” star would portray the beloved singer widely known for his musical spoofs of classic hits. The film — which will be the first original biopic for Roku, was co-written by Yankovic himself — along with Eric Appel, the director of the project.
Roku released the news in a statement last month, along with a synopsis of the film.“The biopic holds nothing back, exploring every facet of Yankovic’s life, from his meteoric rise to fame with early hits like ‘Eat It’ and ‘Like a Surgeon’ to his torrid celebrity love affairs and famously depraved lifestyle,” the release read. “‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’ takes audiences on a truly unbelievable journey through Yankovic’s life and career, from gifted child prodigy to the greatest musical legend of all time.”
A statement from Yankovic was included in the release, reading in part, “When my last movie UHF came out in 1989, I made a solemn vow to my fans that I would release a major motion picture every 33 years, like clockwork. I’m very happy to say we’re on schedule.”