The life stories of two iconic African American baseball players will be coming to theaters real soon.
First up is the story of the first black player to break into Major League baseball, Jackie Robinson! His film entitled 42 is set to hit theaters April 12,2013.
According to BET.com, Chadwick Boseman will play Robinson along with Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey, the Dodgers general manager. Rounding out the all-star cast is Rachel Isum, Christopher Meloni and T.R. Knight. The film’s opening date will coincide with Robinson’s 66th Anniversary of being the first Black player to enter the baseball as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Next up is the Hank Aaron biopic! His film is based on Howard Bryant’s book, The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron and will focus on Aaron’s 1972-74 years when he was gunning to the break the record for most home runs. The record once held by Babe Ruth was the source of a lot racial backlash for Aaron and many of his supporters, because fans didn’t want an African American to break Ruth’s record.
Aaron who will serve as a consultant of the film had this to say about those years: “This was a difficult time in my life, but I’m confident we can all learn a little something looking back at those times.”
Casting and a film release date has not been set for Hank Aaron’s film. Check out Hank Aaron’s historic home run along with commentary!
height=350Source: HollywoodReporter.com