Andrew Haigh to Lead TV Adaptation of Keith Haring Biography

Working Title Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, has announced the development of a new television series chronicling the life of legendary pop artist and activist Keith Haring. The series will be both written and directed by Andrew Haigh, the British filmmaker celebrated for his sensitive portrayals of LGBTQ+ experiences in projects like All of Us Strangers and the HBO series Looking. The show will be adapted from Brad Gooch’s 2024 biography, Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring, a work lauded for its in-depth and empathetic portrait of the artist’s brief but influential life .

Keith Haring first gained recognition in the vibrant, often tumultuous New York City art scene of the early 1980s. His instantly recognizable style—characterized by bold lines, bright colors, and energetic figures—quickly moved from subway walls to galleries, making Haring a central figure in the pop art movement. More than an artist, Haring was also a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, safe sex, and AIDS awareness during a time when the epidemic was devastating queer communities in the United States and beyond .

Throughout his career, Haring used his art to challenge social norms and confront urgent issues, including homophobia and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. His public murals, activism, and unapologetically queer identity made him both a cultural icon and a source of hope during a period of widespread discrimination and loss. Haring died of AIDS-related complications in 1990 at the age of 31, but his legacy endures through the Keith Haring Foundation and continued global recognition of his work .

The forthcoming adaptation will be executive produced by Haigh, Gooch, and the Keith Haring Foundation, alongside Working Title’s Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, and Katy Rozelle. Haigh’s involvement has generated significant anticipation, given his reputation for nuanced storytelling and authentic LGBTQ+ representation. In a statement to Deadline, Haigh emphasized the enduring resonance of Haring’s work: “Haring’s work, while profoundly personal, speaks to something deep in us all. His bold line defined a moment in time, yet his art resonates as powerfully today as it did in the 1980s. Radiant is a joyful call to action, a celebration of life even in the midst of adversity and struggle. Keith’s story pulses with the unshakable belief that art can change the world” .

The production team has yet to announce casting decisions, but Gooch’s public sharing of the news on Instagram has already sparked discussions about who might portray Haring, with fans suggesting actors such as Paul Mescal, Joe Cole, Harris Dickinson, and Barry Keoghan .

The announcement of this adaptation marks a significant cultural moment for LGBTQ+ communities and allies. Haring’s life and art have long represented the intersections of creativity, activism, and queer identity. His ability to use art as both a weapon and a balm—uplifting marginalized voices and advocating for justice—remains profoundly relevant. The television adaptation, under Haigh’s leadership, promises to bring new visibility to Haring’s story, inviting contemporary audiences to reflect on the ongoing struggles and triumphs of LGBTQ+ communities.

This project arrives at a time when the representation of queer histories and artists in mainstream media is both increasingly visible and hotly contested. For many viewers, especially LGBTQ+ youth and those living with HIV, the series offers not only an opportunity to celebrate a trailblazer but also to find resonance and affirmation in Haring’s unwavering embrace of joy, sexuality, and activism.

As production develops, further details—including casting and release dates—are expected to be shared by Working Title Television and the Keith Haring Foundation. The adaptation of Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring stands poised to honor a singular artist and advance the broader conversation about art, activism, and LGBTQ+ resilience .