We’ve been waiting years for a James Brown biopic to hit the screen, with Spike Lee signing on to direct such a film all the way back in 2006. Since then the script has changed hands a few times, and a number of casting rumors have included names like Wesley Snipes, Eddie Murphy, Tracy Morgan and more.
Cut to 2011, and apparently the film is still in the works, with Brian Grazer producing through Imagine Entertainment. Are they any closer to finally casting an actor in the role of the Godfather of Soul? Well, Artisan News recently chatted up James Brown’s daughter, Dr. Yanna Brown, and she says they’re still moving forward with the film. One name she immediately spit out was Eddie Murphy, who’d easily lend his comedic sensibilities to Brown’s quirky performances.
Murphy wasn’t the only one mentioned for the part, as Usher’s name was brought up too. Usher is a close friend of the family, so much so that James Brown once coined him the "Godson of Soul." Though we’re not certain of Usher’s acting chops, the boy could definitely deliver Brown’s unique style of dancing on stage, and if they’re hoping to cast a real-life performer in the role, then Usher is probably a good fit.
Then again, that’s not a knock on Eddie – anyone who’s seen him in Dreamgirls knows that Murphy is fully capable of becoming James Brown on screen, and if it was up to me that’s who I’d go with. But what about you? Sound off in our casting poll below with your choice to play James Brown in a feature-length biopic.
