"In trying to tackle such an ambitious project, the question we had to ask ourselves is, 'Why now?' 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." — DreamWorks CEO and co-chairman Stacey Snider on DreamWorks' Martin Luther King Jr. biopic
This news of a movie about Martin Luther King Jr.'s life is indeed timely. Produced by Steven Spielberg, "[t]he DreamWorks project marks the first film to be authorized by King's estate and gives the producers the right to utilize King's intellectual property — including his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington — to create the definitive portrait of his life." Apparently Spielberg has long wished to make a movie about the civil rights leader and he is determined to create "a story of undeniable power that we can all be proud of."
After the critical success of the Harvey Milk biopic last Fall, it's easy to envision a moving and insightful story about Martin Luther King Jr., another powerful activist whose life was cut far too short. Is there an actor in Hollywood who could aptly portray Martin Luther King? Or perhaps they should look for a total newcomer?
3.1 Phillip Lim
Levi's
Piquadro
Terrence Howard would be a shoo-in for this, surely?
1Denzel Washington or Will Smith, are the only two I could see filling the role.
Denzel would probably be my first choice.
2dbanner, your post wasnt there when I started composing minel. I think Terrance Howard would at least get a look.
I like him a lot, but, he has let himself get a little over exposed the last year or so.
3I think a biopic of this magnitude would be best with an unknown/newcomer in the title role.
4I think a highly talent unknown would be perfect for this role.
5I think an unknown would be good, but only if they can really act with the best of them, like Denzel and Will.
6i would go with an unknown as well but i also think that Denzel would be amazing as well.
7I would like to see an unknown actor in this role. If it were Will or Denzel, I think the role of MLK would be influenced by the actors' previous roles (Fresh Prince flashback...) But the problem with an unknown is what if they can't act? I would actually like to see Spielberg partner up with Spike Lee - I think that would provide the movie with a cool, fresh angle.
8terrance howard would have the look, but i'm not too familiar with his work. would he really be talented enough?
i wonder if they would start with someone younger then switch to someone older? i love denzel, but i think he's starting to show some age. and will...lol a moustache w/ those big ears!! i love him though!
9I think a lot would depend on what years in MLK's life the biopic would depict. Tristan Wilds could be a good choice to play a younger MLK.
10If someone's going to do it Spielberg can. I think that it should be a non-actor, but a professional orator.
11will smith? that's just insulting
denzel could possibly be good, but a little predictable
12an unknown who looks more like mlk and has the chops would be best
I think an unknown actor would be great for this role....funny how the only black actors any of you can come up with is Will Smith or Denzel....It's ok it's not your fault, you really don't no any better.
WE REALLY DO HAVE MORE THAN JUST 2 or 3 talented black actors.
here's a few you should check out
13Anthony Mackie
Terrence Howard
Jamie Foxx
Boris Kodjoe
Nate PArker
Denzel Whitaker
Forrest Whitaker
just to name a few..........KNOWLEDGE IS KEY!
#13, I guess you missed the two previous comments mentioning other black actors.
READING ALL OF THE COMMENTS BEFORE CRITICIZING IS KEY!
14Anonynous, I am sure that the people here were not trying to be disrespectful. I am sure that they were thinking of an actor with the talent it would take to portray such a wonderful man. I agree that Terrance Howard could pass looks wise, and he does have talent. I also think that Ice Cube would pass looks wise, and I think that even though he has only been in a few more recent movies, he would be good in the role. He has kind of a deep voice like MLK and he could maybe pass for him. I would watch it if he was in it. I would watch it anyway, but I think Ice Cube is pretty fine.
15this is such a great idea - I mean, the movie practically writes itself and Spielberg will do a great job. I always prefer unknowns, but I do like the idea of Terrence Howard. or Tyler Perry (as much as I can't stand his movies; he is a great character actor and he has a really good voice) could probably do it...
16Cuba Gooding Jr. I think he'd be amazing.
17Stephon Ferguson. Unknown Dynamic MLK actor. Check out TheDreamLives.com Unbelievable!
18Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.