Chadwick Boseman to play James Brown in new biopic

Posted by | Ray Cornelius

Another day, another biopic.  This time it’s the story of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown.  Hit me!

THR has announced that rising actor Chadwick Boseman has been selected to star as the musical icon in a film that is being directed by The Help’s  Tate Taylor and is being co-produced by British rocker Mick Jagger and his company, Jagged Films.  Hmm, interesting?

Reportedly, the film was supposed to be directed by Spike Lee. However, according to Indie Wire, Lee was replaced earlier this year and the directing duties went to Taylor along with Brian Gazer as the producer.

It is also being reported that Boseman beat out film veterans Eddie Murphy and Wesley Snipes for the coveted role.  I must admit, I would have enjoyed Murphy in this film too considering his Dreamgirls  character, James “Thunder” Early was loosely based on both Brown and Jackie Wilson.

Shooting for the untitled project is slated to begin this fall in Mississippi and will chronicle Brown’s life from his youth all the way to becoming The Godfather of Soul.

Boseman is no stranger to biopics, he recently starred as baseball legend, Jackie Robinson in this year’s box office smash, 42.  As previously reported, he will also star alongside Kevin Costner in the NFL drama, Draft Day as Vontae Mack.

RC will keep you posted on this new project as it continues to develop.

What are your thoughts? Who would you have casted as the Godfather of Soul?

Photography Credit: WaxPoetics.com