Finn Wolfhard Mounts a Biopic on ’80s Band the Replacements (EXCLUSIVE)

As the global phenomenon "Stranger Things" approaches its final season, its star Finn Wolfhard is channeling an 80s rock ethos for a new cinematic endeavor. He is collaborating with his father, Eric Wolfhard, and producer Rich Peete to adapt Bob Mehr's celebrated biography "Trouble Boys: The True Story of the Replacements" into a screenplay. Peete will produce the project via his Neighborhood Watch banner, a production company that recently partnered with Finn on the A24 film "The Legend of Ochi," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. This move further solidifies the young actor's growing involvement behind the camera, a creative direction he has been cultivating while also starring in major film franchises like "It" and the "Ghostbusters" revival.

The source material, Bob Mehr's 2016 New York Times bestseller "Trouble Boys," is considered the definitive account of the Replacements. This seminal Minneapolis punk band, known for their chaotic energy and raw sound, profoundly influenced the alternative rock scene. The book, which received book-of-the-year accolades from NPR and Rolling Stone, details how the group's brilliant yet self-destructive nature both fueled their legend and limited their commercial success. Their notorious 1986 performance on "Saturday Night Live," which was reportedly so profanity-laden it resulted in a lifetime ban from the show by producer Lorne Michaels, perfectly encapsulates their reckless spirit. As one music critic noted, "Their legacy is a paradox of what could have been; they were arguably the most important band that mainstream America never fully embraced."

This project represents a significant step in Finn Wolfhard's transition from a teen idol to a versatile creative force. He recently co-wrote, co-directed, and co-produced the horror-comedy "Hell of a Summer" with Billy Bryk. Simultaneously, he is pursuing a music career, currently on his first solo tour promoting his debut album "Happy Birthday." In a recent statement, Wolfhard hinted at the personal connection to the material, saying, "Developing this script with my dad has been an amazing journey. We're focusing on a band whose story, in a weird way, I feel I understand on a deep level." He was careful to note, however, that the formal rights to the biography had not yet been finalized at the time of his comments.

The impending conclusion of "Stranger Things"—its final season premieres on November 26th, with episodes rolling out through New Year's Eve—marks a turning point for its ensemble cast. For Wolfhard, the period since filming concluded last December has been one of prolific output, allowing him to seamlessly integrate his work in acting, music, and now screenwriting. This strategic diversification is seen by industry observers as a shrewd move to build a sustainable career. An entertainment analyst commented, "By actively building a portfolio of creative roles, Wolfhard is navigating the difficult post-franchise landscape with remarkable foresight, avoiding the pitfalls that have ensnared many former child stars."

On the representation front, Finn and Eric Wolfhard are represented by Venture Entertainment Partners and the legal firm Jackoway Austen Tyerman, with Finn's management handled by Jill Fritzo PR. Producer Rich Peete, whose upcoming slate includes Jeremy Saulnier's A24 horror film "October," and his company Neighborhood Watch are represented by Granderson Des Rochers. Author Bob Mehr is represented by CAA and WitnessMe PR.