For a film that no longer boasts Lee Daniels in the director's chair, current helmer Ava Duvernay is gathering a high-powered cast for the MLK biopic, Selma. Already set to star David Oyelowo as the civil rights leader, with Carmen Ejogo, Tom Wilkinson, Martin Sheen, Tessa Thompson, Common, Stephan James, and Andre Holland co-starring, the film has gotten even better with the additions of Wendell Pierce and Cuba Gooding Jr.
Pierce, probably best known for memorable roles in HBO's The Wire and Treme, will take on the part of Reverend Hosea Williams, one of King's most trusted advisers. Gooding will bring his Oscar-winning chops to the role of famed civil rights activist and attorney, Fred Gray. The story chronicles King's landmark voting rights campaign in 1965, which many consider to be the height of the civil rights movement.
Oprah Winfrey and Brad Pitt are lending their considerable muscle to this one as producers, so expect it to be a a major awards player. Filming is currently underway in Atlanta. [THR/Deadline]
