Michael Stipe has offered a playful suggestion for who might portray him in a potential 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), as the conversation turned toward the recent trend of musician-focused films.

When host Stephen Colbert brought up the prospect of an R.E.M. movie, he jokingly suggested that actor David Cross would be the ideal choice to play a bearded Stipe. However, the pair soon pivoted to the challenge of casting a younger version of the singer. “Maybe Billie Eilish could do it,” Stipe proposed. Colbert was quick to agree, noting, “You guys got similar blue eyes there.”

Stipe also shared a brief, humorous anecdote about a past encounter with the singer. He recalled that Eilish had once held a door open for him 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.

Beyond the lighthearted casting discussion, Stipe provided updates on his long-awaited solo material. He described a unique creative process for his upcoming album, noting that one track features the sound of a tree being played back to itself. “It sounds like Daft Punk, but I’m putting a sea shanty in the song,” he explained. Stipe confirmed that he is currently putting the finishing touches on the record, which is expected to arrive in 2026.

The singer also recently debuted a new solo track, ‘The Rest Of Ever’, during his television appearance, showcasing his evolving vocal register. While Stipe has been focused on his solo career, he remains on excellent terms with his former R.E.M. bandmates. The group, who disbanded in 2011, reunited in the summer of 2024 for their induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, where they delivered a surprise acoustic performance of their 1991 classic ‘Losing My Religion’.