Steven Spielberg Has a Dream About Martin Luther King Jr.
Filed under: Deals
There was a weird FBI thriller flick in the works, then an assassination project, but now we're finally going to get an authorized look into the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Variety reports that Steven Spielberg has nabbed the whole kit and King kaboodle. This new film will be the first project authorized by King's estate, and Spielberg will have access to the man's intellectual property -- which includes, of course, his uber epic speech, "I Have a Dream." So, why now? Well, I'm sure it doesn't hurt that Lincoln has been struggling. If one biopic flails while trying to find cash, why not grab another passion project that would undoubtedly have an easier time getting funded? But there's also the timeliness factor. As DreamWorks co-chair Stacey Snider explains: "The answer lies in MLK's own words: 'All progress is precarious.' With every step forward, new obstacles emerge and we must never forget that his life and his teachings continue to challenge us every day to stand up to hatred and inequality."
But the bigger question is: Who will play Martin Luther King Jr.? This is a biopic of a different beast. King wasn't an icon without voice or video like Lincoln or John Adams -- historical figures who can be easily cast because we have no workable memory of them. Nor is he the same as Ali or Ray -- icons, for sure, but not as far-reaching. Is there anyone under the age of 39 who can really become King and do his memory justice?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-19-2009 @ 11:20AM
stevenh said...
i'm super excited about this, not only because speilberg is involved, but because this is the first real biopic of MLK, and who isn't looking forward to that?
but as far as who will play him, i'm not really sure. obviously the first name to pop up is will smith, but his demeanor is all wrong. he has a tendancy to overact, and he just doesn't have that quiet stoicism that MLK had. no way the fresh prince is gonna' play MLK. Denzel would probably be the perfect choice, but he has already played Malcom X, which just makes it kind of weird. but if i had to put my money on it, i'd go with Denzel.
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5-19-2009 @ 11:24AM
Batzarro said...
Terrence Howard...I would bet the farm they're getting Terrence Howard! If nbot, they should!
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5-19-2009 @ 11:58AM
Oblique said...
How about an under the radar up and coming actor to play him.
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5-19-2009 @ 12:35PM
Midnight13 said...
Ving Rhames comes to mind.
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5-19-2009 @ 1:58PM
MD said...
I think it should be Derek Luke. He is young enough and looks a great deal like MLK. Some may knock his acting chops, but after seeing some of his more dramatic films, I think he would do a great job. Whoever you get will have a great deal going against them, playing such an iconic role.
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5-19-2009 @ 2:44PM
John L said...
Jeffery Wright played him in the HBO film "Boycott"...I think he would do a terrific job although I also can't deny that Terrence Howard would be great as well.
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5-19-2009 @ 2:29PM
nokingfan said...
i hope they the true story about this low life.. how he was having an affair while his wife and kids lived in a 1 bedroom apartment, also how he wanted a civil war, thats why the C.I.A. and the F.B.I had this loser killed.. stop glorifying this guy and look into his real life. He staged the rosa parks fiasco too, she was his secretary so they asked her to stage this, with the press ready to take pictures, that made her a fake hero too... oh and one more thing what did this racist do for white people? thats right nothing so why should we celebrate anything about this guy he should be on the bet channel thats all...
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5-19-2009 @ 4:17PM
Batzarro said...
"oh and one more thing what did this racist do for white people?"
So he's a racist because he didn't benefit white people? Are you drunk or high? While I'm not aware that any of the other stuff you said is true, that's pretty damn stupid. Still, I will take you up on the question.
Democracy is NOT a self sustaining idea. A government of the people and for them can easilly get lost in the leaders endless search for more power. If people let undemocratic things like state sponsored segregation errode the civil liberties all American have as stated in the Constitution, if that constitution becomes a bunch of words leaders may heed if they want to, then Democracy fails. So, extending the civil liberties of all citizens, therefore validating phrases like "all men are created equal...certain inalienable rights" was good for the whole country.
Though I fear I may be talking to the wind, here.
5-19-2009 @ 11:48PM
meeno01 said...
wow...I didn't realize the Confederate still existed! i learn something new every day. The funniest part of your twisted logic is that you call King a "racist" just because he was fighting for the rights of a race that was oppressed!
8-02-2009 @ 5:37PM
Mikey said...
Teddy Wells from Honolulu Hawaii is working hard to portray the iconic figure Dr. martin Luther King. Stay tuned for more on Teddy Wells. He has had minor roles in LOST but surely can nab this role. He's been working on becoming King for two months and is well on his way to mastering it by January 2010.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS7Y3cUXEcQ
http://teddywells-mlkmovie.blogspot.com/
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