Billie Joe Armstrong Remains Optimistic About AMERICAN IDIOT Movie

Fans of Green Day's American Idiot may still want to hold out hope for the oft-delayed film adaptation, according to Billie Joe Armstrong himself. In a new career-spanning piece for Variety, the Green Day frontman commented on the canceled movie, noting he thinks "eventually it’s going to happen."

“There was supposed to be [a film], but it never panned out,” explained Armstrong in the piece. “I’m sure something is gonna happen. The musical did so well and they’ve done it in Australia, Italy, Germany, England … It’s traveled so well."

Following the debut of the Tony-winning musical in 2010, talks of a film adaptation abounded, with director Michael Mayer, Armstrong, and Playtone Productions seemingly attached to the project. There was even a release date set for 2013. However, development stalled and, following several delays, was thought to be scrapped.

The stage musical follows the exhilarating journey of a new generation of young Americans as they struggle to find meaning in a post 9/11 world, borne along by Green Day’s electrifying score. This high-octane show includes every song from the acclaimed album American Idiot, as well as several songs from the band’s Grammy-nominated new release, 21st Century Breakdown. Green Day won two Grammy Awards for the show, which also received three Tony nominations (including Best Musical), winning two. 

Following 421 performances on Broadway and 27 previews, the final performance of American Idiot was Sunday, April 24, 2011. The first national tour launched that fall.