Thursday, March 18, 2010

All of Daniels' Men...minus De Niro...maybe(?)





If there's one thing we learned from Precious, it's that Lee Daniels can make a comedian, a newcomer, and a singer give great performances. Considering the results on Precious, I can't wait to see how he does with trained actors (and a singer). The subject matter is always interesting, and the description of Selma doesn't sound like a by-the-numbers biopic, but rather an interesting look at significant figures in the Selma race riots and beyond. Lenny Kravitz did a nice job in Precious, so it will be interesting to see his take on a (presumably) larger role. And of course there's the Martin Luther King Jr. factor; a compelling take on the great civil rights leader could make for a stunning film. The most exciting part? Another opportunity to see triple threat Hugh Jackman take on some heavy material again. Because of his great looks and physique, there's an unfortunate tendency for Jackman to be cast as an action hero (how much of it is of his own volition, I don't know), and we don't get to see the deeper (read: better) side of his acting talents, save for The Fountain, which was too divisive and which no one saw. Always a charismatic performer, I'm really excited to see what happens with Jackman under Daniels' guidance. Maybe a chance at that long-awaited first Oscar nomination? A chance for Daniels' second nomination?

Source: FirstShowing
March 17, 2010
by Ethan Anderton


After adding Lenny Kravitz and confirming Hugh Jackman taking on a role in his civil rights film Selma, THR reports that Oscar nominated director Lee Daniels has finally found his Martin Luther King Jr. in actor David Oyelowo (The Last King of Scotland, Red Tails). King was one of the key characters waiting to be cast in a story that revolves around the historic marches led by MLK in 1965 in Selma, AL. However, it looks like there's a chance that the thought to be confirmed involvement of Robert De Niro may not be official, as a blurb in the trade says: "The part of Alabama Gov. George Wallace remains up for grabs." Wait, really?
You would think that Daniels saying that De Niro would be in the film was official enough, but maybe a deal hasn't been finalized prompting THR not to count their chickens before they're cast (which is a smart move these days). I guess we'll have to wait and see how this turns out and if anymore official word makes its way to the media. We're still waiting to hear who will play Lyndon B. Johnson as well, who plays a very pivotal part in the story, so surely there are more casting confirmations on the way. In the meantime, let's hope that Daniels does land De Niro as Governor Wallace, because that really seems like inspired casting.

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