It's taken quite a few years, but a biopic on the "Godfather of Soul" James Brown is speeding right along now, with 42 star Chadwick Boseman taking the lead role last night. And now it looks like its director Tate Taylor is looking to fill out the supporting cast with those who helped make his 2011 film The Help the recipient of four Academy Award nominations.
The Wrap reports that Viola Davis, Best Supporting Actress winner Octavia Spencer, and Nelsan Ellis (True Blood) are being sought for supporting parts in the untitled drama, which will explore Brown's humble Georgia beginnings and path towards becoming a music legend, known as much for his slick dance moves as his voice. Jez and John-Henry Butterworth wrote the most recent script, with Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones producing. Jagger, who considers Brown to be a major influence on his career, will be depicted in the film as well, along with Keith Richards.
It's unclear what roles Davis, Spencer, or Ellis would be up for, but you can hardly blame Taylor for going back to what worked the last time. Filming on the James Brown film begins this fall.
