Usher to Play James Brown?
Filed under: Drama, Music & Musicals, Casting, Paramount, RumorMonger, Fandom
It's only been two days since Spike Lee was announced as the director of an upcoming James Brown biopic for Paramount Pictures and Imagine Entertainment, but already the internet is buzzing with rumors as to who will play the legendary performer. Unfortunately, Starpulse News reports via Page Six (extremely reliable source, I know) that Usher is very much interested in the role. For those who don't know Usher, he's the cocky 28-year-old R&B singer/performer who's kind of like a young Michael Jackson rip-off rolled up into that annoying "cool" kid from high school -- ya know, the one you just wanted to snap in two as he sashayed down the hall, but were too afraid of being sued. Yeah, him.
Another name being tossed into the rumor pile is Fergie (aka Stacy Ferguson) from the Black Eyed Peas -- she'd like to land a part as one of Brown's wives. Unlike Usher (who has yet to make a real name for himself on the big screen, save for, ahem, In the Mix), Ferguson has appeared in Be Cool, Poseidon and has a part in the upcoming Grindhouse. Now, I don't mean to enrage you Usher fanatics out there, but c'mon -- do you really think he's cool enough to play James Brown? Seriously. Maybe -- just maybe -- I'd accept him in the role of a young Brown if, say, they got Eddie Murphy (for example) to step in after the first half hour to play an older version.
What do you think of Usher as James Brown? Do you dig that choice, or do you throw up a little bit in your mouth just thinking about the possibility of Usher in the main role?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-29-2006 @ 8:51PM
Jimm said...
I dont think Usher would be a good choice for this project. An unknown actor could bea better choice. And Fergie? Cmon..may as well ask Jennifer Hudson to sign on too!
Reply
12-30-2006 @ 2:38PM
Gianna said...
Look, I'm an Usher fan and I think Usher would be PERFECT for the role. I bet whoever wrote this aricle didn't know that at an awards show one year James called Usher the "Godson of Soul". Usher deserves the role!! Also, Usher is NOT cocky nor a jerk as you implied. Whoever wrote this is probably an untalented idiot and is just jealous of Usher.
Reply
12-30-2006 @ 5:22AM
Manuel Lopez said...
Usher as James Brown? That is a bad joke. Usher does not have the fire or stage presence to be James Brown. Terrence Howard is the ultimate choice to play a young James Brown. Eddie Murphy is the best choice for an older James Brown. These two magnificent actors in combination with the talents of Spike Lee will make a dramatic award winning film.
Reply
12-30-2006 @ 5:42AM
Kat said...
Eddie Murphy has to do it. All he has to do is channel that 'too hot in the hot tub' thing from SNL one more time and he'll have it.
Reply
12-30-2006 @ 9:54AM
Richard Brunton said...
Wow, there's a name I didn't even think of, Eddie Murphy could well carry it off.
I totally agree though, Usher is just too squeaky clean and smooth for it to work, you need someone with rough edges and fire.
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