Michael Stipe has offered a playful suggestion for who could portray him in a future R.E.M. biopic: none other than global pop sensation Billie Eilish.
The legendary frontman shared his thoughts during an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert this past Thursday (April 23). The conversation turned toward the recent trend of musician-focused biopics, prompting host Stephen Colbert to weigh in on who might capture the essence of the iconic singer. While Colbert jokingly suggested actor David Cross for the bearded, later-era Stipe, the pair began brainstorming candidates for a younger version of the musician.
“Maybe Billie Eilish could do it,” Stipe suggested. Colbert quickly agreed, noting, “You guys got similar blue eyes there.”
When asked if the two had ever crossed paths, Stipe recounted a brief, polite encounter at a Manhattan restaurant. “She’s incredibly polite and sweet, but I didn’t know who she was until she was down the street,” he admitted.
Watch the interview below.
Beyond the lighthearted casting speculation, Stipe provided updates on his highly anticipated debut solo album. The singer described the project’s unique sonic landscape, noting that one track features the sound of a tree being played back to itself, which he likened to the experimental nature of Daft Punk, blended with a sea shanty. He also recently debuted a new solo track, ‘The Rest Of Ever’, during the show.
Stipe has been working on the record for several years and, despite acknowledging that the process has taken “longer than I wanted,” he confirmed that he is currently adding the finishing touches. The album is expected to arrive in 2026.
The singer remains on excellent terms with his former bandmates—Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Bill Berry. The quartet famously reunited for a surprise acoustic performance of ‘Losing My Religion’ during their induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in the summer of 2024, marking their first live performance together since 2007.