Boat Rocker is in development on a limited scripted series about the life of the late New York artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, to be co-produced with Shamier Anderson and Stephan James’ Toronto-based Bay Mills Studios.

James (If Beale Street Could Talk, Homecoming; pictured left) is attached to star as Basquiat (pictured right), who addressed African-American issues in his groundbreaking paintings, graffiti art and sculptures.

The untitled project will be executive produced by Katie O’Connell Marsh and Nick Nantell for Boat Rocker, and Anderson and James for Bay Mills Studios. Holly Hubsher is overseeing the project for Bay Mills Studios.

Basquiat, who gained worldwide acclaim and collaborated with Andy Warhol, died of a drug overdose in 1998 at age 27.

A Boat Rocker news release says the series will be set in 1980s New York City and showcase the rise of Basquiat, explore his close friendship with Warhol and his ultimate demise.

James and Anderson have a first-look deal with Boat Rocker through their Bay Mills Studios banner, which was established last year and aims to tell unique, underrepresented stories.

James is also starring in Boat Rocker’s co-production of Beacon 23, which is Zak Penn’s (Free Guy) television adaptation of Hugh Howey’s sci-fi novel via Spectrum Originals and AMC. Anderson, meanwhile, stars in Boat Rocker’s sci-fi drama Invasion for Apple TV+, which was recently renewed for a second season.

“We’re grateful to be working with Shamier, Stephan, and the entire Bay Mills Studios team to tell the story of a visionary artist whose profound cultural influence only continues to grow with time,” said Steve Lescroart, president of Boat Rocker Studios, scripted, in a statement. “We know that audiences around the world will be captivated.”

“Jean-Michel is an artist I have long revered, and someone who has greatly influenced my work over the years,” added James. “To embody such a revolutionary, whose influence in the modern era of pop culture is simply immeasurable, will simply be one of the greatest honors of my career.”

Photo of Stephan James by Ryan West; Jean-Michel Basquiat photo by Richard Corman.