Green Day Ventures into Film with Road Trip Comedy “New Years Rev”
Published On: February 11th, 2025
Green Day, the iconic punk rock trio behind anthems like American Idiot and Basket Case, is stepping into the world of cinema with New Years Rev, a comedy road trip movie that pays homage to their early days of touring in a van. While the band isn’t the central focus of the film, their music and legacy serve as the driving force behind the story.
The movie, currently in production in Oklahoma, is set to be a coming-of-age tale about three friends who mistakenly believe their band is opening for Green Day on New Year’s Eve. The project, produced by Live Nation Productions, marks another creative expansion for the band, which has long been exploring ways to extend their influence beyond music.
The plot and cast
New Years Rev follows three young musicians—played by Mason Thames (The Black Phone), Kylr Coffman, and Ryan Foust—as they embark on a cross-country road trip filled with misadventures, inspired by Green Day’s own experiences touring in their early years. The film’s logline promises a “rowdy and mischievous jaunt” that captures the spirit of youthful rebellion and the pursuit of rock ‘n’ roll dreams.
Adding to the star power are The Office alums Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, who reunite on screen after their successful podcast Office Ladies. Their involvement brings a touch of nostalgia for fans of the beloved sitcom, while also grounding the film in comedic talent. The movie is written and directed by Lee Kirk, known for The Giant Mechanical Man, and produced by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool, alongside Live Nation Productions.
In a statement, Armstrong reflected on the band’s early days: “Van days rule. You will drive all night on no sleep, then play a show for 10 kids in the basement of a friend of a friend’s house 50 miles east of anywhere you’ve ever heard of. But you’ll do it again the next day, and the one after that. Because you’re doing it with your bandmates who become your family, and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever known. It’s electric. Let the music and mischief ensue.”
Musical stars in film: A mixed legacy
New Years Rev isn’t the first time a musical act has inspired or starred in a film. However, the track record for such projects is mixed. On the successful side, A Star Is Born (2018), starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, became a cultural phenomenon, blending original music with a compelling narrative. Similarly, Detroit Rock City (1999), featuring KISS, captured the essence of fandom and the rock lifestyle, earning a cult following.
On the flip side, some musical stars have struggled to translate their appeal to the big screen. Recently, Post Malone was notably involved in Dear Santa (2024), a dark comedy about a boy who accidentally summons Satan, which was panned by critics despite its festive premise. Similarly, Celine Dion’s rom-com Love Again (2023), in which she played a fictionalized version of herself, failed to resonate with audiences, despite her star power and new songs written for the soundtrack.
Even the Foo Fighters tried their hand at filmmaking with Studio 666 (2022), a horror-comedy in which the band played fictionalized versions of themselves. While the film was campy and fun, it didn’t achieve mainstream success, highlighting the challenges of blending music and narrative filmmaking.
Green Day’s creative expansions
Green Day’s foray into film isn’t entirely unexpected. The band has long been exploring ways to expand their artistic footprint. Their most notable project outside of music is American Idiot: The Musical, a stage adaptation of their 2004 album that debuted on Broadway in 2010. The show earned critical acclaim and two Tony Awards, proving that Green Day’s music could transcend genres.
Beyond American Idiot, Green Day has also dabbled in side projects like The Network and Foxboro Hot Tubs, showcasing their versatility. However, New Years Rev represents their most significant step into the film industry, blending their punk ethos with a comedic narrative.
From a business perspective, the film is a calculated risk. Green Day’s involvement ensures a built-in audience, but the success of music-inspired films often hinges on their ability to appeal to broader audiences. If New Years Rev can balance its punk rock roots with universal themes of friendship and ambition, it could become a sleeper hit.
A tribute to the magic of live music
At its core, New Years Rev is a love letter to the power of live music and the bonds formed through shared creative journeys. As Ryan Kroft, head of film and TV at Live Nation Productions, put it: “Brought to life by an incredible cast, it’s a tribute to the magic of live music.”
For Green Day, this film is an opportunity to reflect on their legacy while inspiring a new generation of artists. As the band prepares to headline Coachella in April and continues to promote their 2024 album Saviors, New Years Rev adds another layer to their enduring influence.
And while the release platform for New Years Rev hasn’t been confirmed, the film’s comedic tone and mid-budget scope make it a strong candidate for a streaming release. Platforms like Netflix or Hulu have become go-to destinations for music-inspired films, offering a wider reach than traditional theatrical releases. However, a limited theatrical run could also be beneficial, especially for Green Day’s dedicated fanbase.
Whether the film becomes a cult classic or a cautionary tale remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Green Day’s punk spirit is alive and well, and New Years Rev is poised to capture that energy on screen.