HBO & Spike Lee Team Up For American Utopian Film

Spike Lee is all rolling and set where he is enjoying the good response to Netflix's Da 5 Bloods. Lee is teaming up with HBO for a new project. The premium cable outlet will present a filmed version of the acclaimed Broadway show David Byrne's American Utopia, which Lee, who currently has Da 5 Bloods on Netflix, directed during the show's run at the Hudson Theater. It's set to premiere later this year, with a specific date to be announced.

"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."

American Utopia features Byrne and 11 musical artists from around the world performing songs from the 2018 album of the same title, as well as songs from Byrne's Talking Heads and solo catalog. The show ran from October 2019 to February 2020, earning rave reviews: The Hollywood Reporter called it "pure bliss."

"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," said Byrne. "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."