Spike Lee-Directed ‘David Byrne’s American Utopia’ Heads to HBO

Just days after the debut of his Netflix film Da 5 Bloods last week, Spike Lee is back with another project. The filmmaker and director is bringing David Byrne to HBO with a filmed version of David Byrne’s American Utopia, directed by Lee during  the show’s run at the Hudson Theater.

Byrne’s Broadway show, which ran from October 2019 to February 2020, features himself and 11 other musicians performing songs from his 2018 album of the same name, along with songs from Byrne’s solo career and Talking Heads catalog. The show, which received glowing reviews, was sold out and had record-breaking audience numbers during its run.

David Byrne’s American Utopia is a uniquely transformative experience and a perfect example of how entertainment can bring us together during these challenging times,” said HBO Programming executive VP Nina Rosenstein. “Spike’s brilliant direction adds a level of intimacy to this powerful performance, and we’re so thrilled to share this groundbreaking show with our audience.”

In a press release from HBO today, Byrne called himself “a huge fan” of Lee.

“Spike and I have crossed paths many times over the years, obviously I’m a huge fan and now finally here was an opportunity for us to work together,” Byrne said. “I am absolutely thrilled with the result. The Broadway show was a wonderful challenge as well as an opportunity — it was a joy to perform and, well, best to let the quotes speak for themselves. Thrilled that this show and the subjects it addresses will now reach a wider audience.”

Lee added his own statement about the collaboration, expressing his “honor” to work with Byrne. “It is my honor and privilege that my art brother, Mr. David Byrne, asked me to join him in concert, to invite me into his magnificent world of American Utopia,” Lee said. “And dat’s da ‘once in a lifetime’ truth, Ruth. Ya-dig? Sho-nuff. Peace and love. Be safe.”

HBO has not announced an official release date for the American Utopia film, but said that it will debut later this year.