"Weird Al" Yankovic is one of the most prolific comedic and musical minds of the last few decades. His parody music has been beloved by the young and old alike, and The Weird Al Show and UHF remain cult classics with his stamp over them. Still the recent announcement of a "Weird Al" biopic starring Daniel Radcliffe has surprised fans and general audiences alike.
Obviously, the star of the inspired by a 2013 Funny or Die sketch, the strange casting is probably intentional. Fans have taken to Reddit to discuss the things they'd like to see in this weird new film.
Al's Parents
Redditor feelthebernerd says they've been wanting this for so long. They wrote, "Weird Al has such an interesting (and heartbreaking about his parents) story about him." While it's true that Al has never had any major scandals, there is a story in his past. This film is likely to be a parody biopic, but it's still possible for the film to touch on Al's parents.
Nick and Mary Yankovic were by all s a wonderful couple and very ive of the young Al. Nick even received two Purple Hearts for service in World War II according to the liner notes from Weird Al's Permanent Record boxed set. However, both of Yankovic's parents died due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in 2004. Yankovic would talk about this with Wired, calling it a tough time in his life that coincided with a dip in his career.
Al's Relationship with Madonna
Weird Al is no slouch when it comes to celebrity connections. Redditor DarkFlounder says "I hope they cover Al’s sordid relationship with Madonna in more detail." The "sordid" is most likely a joke, as the two appear to have a good relationship, but it had to begin somewhere.
There was an adage that you made it in music when Yankovic decides to parody you. According to Mental Floss, Madonna's friends suggested it wasn't long until "Like a Virgin" got parodied. She then suggested the title "Like a Surgeon." Madonna would then go on to appear in Yankovic's video for "Perform This Way."
The Weird Al Show
The Weird Al Show is popular among die-hard Weird Al fans who have held fondly onto its memory as a bizarre and wacky series of jokes and songs. Fans have been wondering if this part of Al's career will appear in the biopic. Lordekinbote from Reddit alludes as such when they comment "Any ideas who they are casting for Harvey?"
Harvey was Yankovic's pet hamster on the show. He also received a song in 1991, which didn't receive a music video until two decades later. The show was a bizarre variety show hosted by Yankovic with his trademark humor. It was similar to the Pee-Wee's Playhouse Show that turned into the classic Pee-Wee's Big Adventure.
Similarity to the Funny or Die Sketch
OhioStateGuy fondly reminiscences about the Funny or Die sketch that was about Yankovic. They commented, "I would watch this movie. Just hit every musician biopic trope, even if it never happened and constantly throw in song titles as dialogue. Now I’m hoping that’s what this new movie will be." They then edited with clarification that biopic will indeed be similar to this.
The Funny or Die Sketch "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story" starred famous television and film actor Aaron Paul in the role. The star brought his trademark pathos to a celebrity most known for smiling. This sketch and the film share staff, such as writer Eric Appel. It's safe to say the sketch is a blueprint for the film, although plenty are upset that Paul doesn't seem to be involved.
Parodying Other Biopics
Redditor 1639728813 says "If it is anything like other musician's biopics, I look forward to learning about Weird Al's sex and drug fueled past, that destroyed relationships with friends and family, before he learns to love himself and earns forgiveness from his children." As Yankovic has a normal personal life, this is jokes. This Redditor and the Funny or Die sketch are on the same wavelength.
That sketch wasn't the only time Al parodied biopics of rock musicians though. The Compleat Al was another parody series about his life, which debuted early in his career. He also had the Weird Al TV series on MTV that parodied musician interviews. Yankovic himself doesn't seem to have any shortage of jokes when it comes to parodying this style of product.
Al's Height
There are already a lot of concerns about Radcliffe's casting, but a look at his filmography post Harry Potter reveals how strange Radcliffe has truly been. The biggest reoccurring concern was actually how Radcliffe is shorter than Weird Al. Reddit Kipkarmic sums it up: "Interesting casting choice. Isn't Weird Al 6ft plus and Daniel is like 5'5" or 5'6"?"
This discrepancy seems unavoidable to comment on. Yankovic is 6 feet tall according to CelebHeights.com, while Radcliffe is quite a bit shorter. This helped Radcliffe in his role of Harry Potter, who was supposed to be shorter. But in the case of Yankovic it seems like he might have to wear lifts, especially if the real Weird Al cameos.
Dr. Demento
Redditor TMMBG wants to see Dr. Demento in the movie. In their words, "If this movie doesn't have Patton Oswalt playing Dr. Demento, it's trash." This is yet another reference to the Funny or Die sketch. Patton Oswalt would be a great choice for Al's eccentric mentor. Barry "Dr. Demento" Hansen was a radio presenter who basically discovered Al.
Demento has been DJing since 1970, continuing even into the streaming age. He played a parody song sent in by Al, and quickly became one of his sponsors. Al would include Demento in music videos and the film UHF. Demento was essentially Al's breakout, so he's all but assured to be appearing in the film.
References to Comedy Bang! Bang!
Al has made appearances on the podcast Comedy Bang! Bang!. He also was a musician on its television show, which is dense with references. Redditor Sloblowpiccaso illustrates that with "Well i cant wait to hear Daniel say weird al’s iconic catchphrase whats of whats up hot dog. Oh man hopefully we get to see the emotions as he was bestowed the “O” from his mentor doctor dement,"
This run-on sentence is perhaps inscrutable to those not familiar with the podcast and it's television adaptation. CBB staff have worked with Al before as well as similar parody Between Two Ferns. His association with them has also definitely earned him plenty of modern fans. Seeing the involvement of these creatives seems likely.
A Bizarre Origin Story
Redditor Andrew1990M has put their foot down. "I hope this movie is fucking stupid... I want to see him gifted a guitar 4 years before he was born by a green goat called Arnold." Al has a lot of fun anecdotes, like meeting his drummer John Bermuda Shwartz. But reality may be pushed aside for jokes.
Al has several bizarre autobiographical songs that could be referenced. Redditor Line-Noise asked for references to his song Albuquerque when they said "If Al doesn't win a first class one way ticket to Albuquerque in this movie I'll be pissed!" That song and other like it paint a bizarre picture of his family life.
Weird Al Cameo
Plenty of Redditors are upset Al won't be playing himself. So they have suggested all kinds of cameos for Al in the movie. Al should play Dr. Demento, or play every other single character in the movie. Thegiantattack has one unique pitch; "I hope they get Weird Al to cameo as "Daniel Radcliffe" in this movie."
This is a wonderful idea and very Al. Al himself has a history of bizarre cameos, so playing against type is nothing new for him. The creation of this very biopic in the biopic itself seems like an exceptionally funny joke worthy of Al's other film, UHF.
