Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. : "I Have a DreamWorks"

The life story of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has been purchased by DreamWorks for a movie that pretty much has to win an Oscar or two, right? Variety reports that Steven Spielberg, Suzanne de Passe, and Madison Jones will produce. "We are all honored that the King Estate is giving us the opportunity to tell the story of these defining, historic events," Spielberg said in a press release. "It is our hope that the creative power of film and the impact of Dr. King's life can combine to present a story of undeniable power that we can all be proud of." There's no indication if Spielberg will also direct; the King bio-pic has been a dream project for Spielberg, whose films have taken on a great social consciousness since Schindler's List. The rights were obtained through King's son, Dexter, who has reportedly been in a heated battle over the life rights of his father with other siblings since the passing of his mother, Coretta Scott King, in 2006. Dr. King is the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner in history for his efforts to en racial discrimination in the U.S. Obviously, the agreement is a major victory for DreamWorks, and presumably for the King legacy, as well, which likely couldn't find a better shepherd than Steven Spielberg, regardless of whether or not he directs the film himself.

Comments

[Anybody]

The real question then becomes? Who will play Dr. King?

Could Denzel do the double, first Malcolm X and then MLK? Forest could pull an interesting double, Idi Amin and then MLK? I prefer the Jamie Foxx double though, Ray and then MLK... One thing for sure, they won't go with an unknown for such a project, although that might be the best way to go... I would look to the cast of The Wire, which is full of talented African-American actors.

[Get The Big Picture]

That really is the big question. You would think it would be a star-driven project, but I think Jeffrey Wright would be a good pick.

[Anybody]

Yes! Great eye, didn't think of him right away but he's a great actor...

[Anybody]

I wouldn't be surprised with a Will Smith as MLK flick...

[karen jaffa]

What about Forrest Whittaker he did a great job as Idi Amin and he does look a bit like MLK ?

[Get The Big Picture]

My only thought about Whitaker is that he's just too big a man. King was about eight inches shorter than him, and most actors in Hollywood aren't in the 6'2" range like Forest, so he'd dwarf a lot of people around him. He was great as Amin - and the size helped in that case - but just as you wouldn't cast Tom Cruise to play Abe Lincoln...

[Sean]

WOW OMG THIS IS FUCKING EPIC NEWS!!!!!!

Ok some great choices have been said by some people I must say.

Jaimie Foxx
Forest Whitaker
Denzel Washington
Jeffrey Wright
Will Smith

ill throw in, for good measure, other "possibles"

Don Cheadle
Laurence Fishbourne

BUT OK in my honest to GOD opinion I really think it goes down to and I PERSONALLY am rooting for...

Jeffrey Wright

Pro = I think he'd do amazing as King Jr. He is an unbelievable actor and has such a prescence on screen, I mean has anyone seen his work? He steals every scene he is in. Watch Angels in America with the star studded cast, he holds his own and then some! He just hasnt had the roles to prove himself great but those who actually love acting and know film know this guy!

Con = Not a big enought "star" It depends on the direction of the film and movie studio, but he isnt a big enough name. Maybe he'd star in something to launch him into "star status" before they begin the film, that would work... Other than that no other con, the man can do it if people are weary of his skills...

Will Smith

Pro = Him and Spielberg, I have read & heard have always wanted to work together & after all these years never have. I actually heard here on this website, their working on this future film (Oldboy)... But basically they have I think both of them wanted to work with each other, and on something big and epic I think would be the best way to go. Will Smith is fantastic and an amazing actor he could definitly do well and he does have "star power" and Oscar gold would be for sure if the movie was done brilliantly.

Con = He has played many many real life African American figures before and some people might be ugh to another idea like this (thats why I disqualify Denzel Washington in the role & because I truly think Denzel would refuse because of that reason but I always could be wrong). Other than that I dont see anything really wrong or another con for Willy Smith....

Either of these two would be just brilliant.

To sum up I think...
Jeffrey Wright/ Will Smith (either of the two, I cant choose)
Jaimie Foxx (i put him next b/c he could too but not my top 2)

OK that was long but Im so excited and thrilled for such a project coming to life sooner or later...

Hopefully Colin dude you gotta give your thoughts on my post, please!!
What do you think?

[Get The Big Picture]

Of those nominees, I'd discard Fishburne, Denzel, and Will Smith. Laurence is a big dude, too, and rarely plays sympathetic characters that well. Denzel turns 55 this year. Can you believe it? Plus, you can't play both Malcolm X and MLK. That just doesn't seem equitable for the other actors.

Will Smith would seem like a good choice but I just don't like the sound of it. I'm a big fan of his and think he's incredibly versatile, but I just don't want to see him do it. Maybe because it feels so likely.

Jamie Foxx would certainly be a candidate, although I'd prefer Cheadle if it came down to those two guys. Terrence Howard might be a candidate. I'm only concerned that he's so soft-spoken by nature. Why hasn't anyone mentioned Cedric the Entertainer? (OK, that was a joke, but he was good in the first Barbershop.)

You know, I did kind of just throw out Jeffrey Wright's name in passing, but after a couple hours' thought, I do think it's at least as good an option as any of the bigger names. He's certainly as talented as any of them.