Wanted: One multitalented actor who can whoop, shimmy, scream, do the Mashed Potato, and otherwise fill the shoes (and cape) of the late Godfather of Soul for a planned James Brown biopic to be directed by Spike Lee. Producer Brian Grazer, who started developing a biopic eight years ago, is growing anxious to find a viable Mr. Dynamite: "We could go into production in five months. Our script is really good," he tells PopWatch. Grazer is mum about the men they’re considering, but he says he’ll need an actor who "plays 36 to 45." (Guess that takes once-rumored star Usher out of the running.) "If you have any ideas," Grazer says, "let me know."
Well, since you asked, Jamie Foxx clearly has to be considered. But how about Terrence Howard? Or the hot-again Eddie Murphy (currently playing a character inspired in part by Brown in Dreamgirls)? We know he does a mean "Hot Tub."
It has to be a documentary similar to The Who’s THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT. Watching old clips on YouTube has convinced me: There ain’t now one like Mr. James Brown! So instead of making a RAY, or a WALK THE LINE, just compile the hottest clibs of the Godfather back in the day, turn up the sound real loud and blow the roof of the mother!!!!
Gotta go with Terrence Howard. Jamie Foxx is all wrong for the part, and he’s played out in this genre to boot. Eddie Murphy was excellent in Dreamgirls, but in no way could he pull off the demands of convincingly portraying the real James Brown on- and off-stage for the length of an entire film.
Richard Simmons.
Wayne Brady
Wayne Brady! That man is always singing, dancing, and wearing flashy clothes.
Hey, if Jamie Foxx can go from in “Living Color” to an Oscar and Jennifer Hudson from “American Idol” to rave reviews in “Dreamgirls,” then give Brady a shot.
There is an young actor who was in ‘Dead Presidents’ and ‘Freeway’ that i think would be perfect, his name is Bokeem Woodbine. Look him up on imdb!
I 2nd Wayne Brady as a choice or Eddie Murphy. I like Terrance Howard but I don’t really see him as James Brown. Eddie as we know can do a mean James Brown. Wayne Brady is very talented and it would nice to see him get a big break in a film.
I had an idea pop into my head as a joke, but after thinking about it I really think it could work. What about the artist formerly known as Hammer? He could definitley pull off the on-stage performances and has some life experience regarding the ups and downs of fame and fortune that could be channelled into the role.
I’d say either Terrwnce Howard or Keith Robinson (CC from Dreamgirls)
I’m gonna get a little “Oz” on ya’ll,
How about Leon. He did a nice Little Richard in a TV movie, and is a very talented and underused actor.
Also, Michael Wright…he was the lead in Robert Townsend’s “The Five Heartbeats” and was terrific as Omar White towards the end of “Oz”s run. He can nail James Brown’s struggle with his demons.
I WOULD say Eddie Murphy, but he’s already pretty much playing James Brown in “Dreamgirls”. Any doubters that he could do it, need to see the scene in “Dreamgirls” where his “message” song gets turned down, and he pulls out his drugs and prepares to do them as everyone just walks away…Murphy doesn’t say a thing, and I think it’s the best acting he’s ever done.
Jeffrey Wright of course, he’s an amazing actor!
Eddie Murphy would be great, natch. But I would go out on a limb and say Tommy Davidson (In Living Color), I don’t know why.
I’m with JayGee. memo to spike: Please don’t make a musical biopic of another damaged black male singer, no matter how much the genius. Make it a docudrama; or a drama with the music in the background.
Terence Howard — too pretty too lightskinned, won’t work.
Eddie – Been there, done that won’t work.
Wayne Brady – yes
Usher – yes, but does he have the acting chops; and James did annoint him the “godson” of soul.
but if the script follows the pattern of “Ray”, I won’t go.
Ceballos, you rock! I just went to see Dreamgirls last night, and I was telling my husband about the very scene you mentioned. That scene alone proved Eddie Murphy must get a Best Supporting Actor nomination. I think he’d be great as James Brown, but another actor who could nail Mr. Brown would be Wendell Pierce. I don’t know if he can sing, but he’s been my favourite part of many movies and tv shows. He deserves some big time fame and a role like this might do it for him.
I’d forgotten about Wayne Brady. He would be perfect. Next choice, Eddie Murphy.