MADISON, Wis. — A new Hollywood biopic about the late comedian Chris Farley is set to hit the big screen, and his family has given their enthusiastic approval.

The film will explore Farley’s life and career, with his brother Tom Farley deeply involved in the project.

What You Need To Know

  • A new Hollywood biopic about the late comedian Chris Farley has received his family's blessing. The film will explore Farley's life, career and struggles with addiction
  • Chris Farley will be portrayed by Emmy winner Paul Walter Hauser, who has been passionate about the role for over a decade
  • Directed by Josh Gad and produced by Lorne Michaels, the film aims to capture Farley's comedic genius and personal demons. Tom Farley, a substance abuse specialist, hopes it will raise awareness about addiction
  • The film is expected to feature Madison, Wisconsin, prominently, reflecting Farley's roots

Tom Farley, who wrote a biography about his brother, shared his excitement, recalling fond memories at Madison’s Memorial Union Terrace.

“He (Chris) would be here eating brats,” Tom Farley said as he held a “UW Memorial Union Building Association Life Member’s Card” in Chris Farley’s name issued in 1990 that was recently found.

“This is Chris, the terrace and the union are such special places and icons for Madison,” he said.

Chris Farley, known for his iconic performances on “Saturday Night Live,” will be portrayed by Emmy winner Paul Walter Hauser. Hauser’s dedication to the role started years ago when he reached out to the Farley family.

“He sent my mom and me a letter probably 10 years ago,” Tom Farley recalled. “He really wanted to do the story. I was like, ‘Who is this guy?’ But then I watched him, and he just loves Chris.”

Directed by Josh Gad and produced by Lorne Michaels, the film aims to capture Chris Farley’s comedic genius and his battles with addiction. Tom Farley, a substance abuse specialist, said he hopes the film will raise awareness and spark conversations about addiction.

“I want to go into communities and talk about it,” he said. “Just use it to get attention.”

Meanwhile, Tom Farley said he hopes Madison could also potentially be a key flashback setting in the film, reflecting Chris Farley’s roots.

“Thankfully, Chris never forgot that he was from Wisconsin,” Tom Farley said. “We remember him because we see ourselves in him. He’s us.”

There’s even a chance Tom Farley might play himself in the movie, although he admits sticking to a script could be tough for him as he prefers to ad-lib.

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