Black in Period Films

Here is the first teaser trailer for the upcoming Epix series, Godfather of Harlem.  Set in the early 1960s, we follow crime boss Bumpy Johnson as he takes Harlem back from the Italian mob.  I know Forest Whitaker will do an amazing bringing Bumpy Johnson's story to life.     The Real Bumpy Johnson:

If you’re a period film fan I like am, then you are one of the many people who have been patiently awaiting the film BOLDEN! This film based on the life of jazz legend Buddy Bolden has been years in the making.  I remember constantly checking the IMDB page hoping for an update. The film gained and lost cast members, but through it all Daniel Pritzker refused to give up on his passion project. He had the money to make the project of his dreams and he would not stop until he did. If the May 3, 2019 release date is any indication, Daniel Pritzker has finally created the film he set out to in 2007. Because of the near permanency of the Internet, I was able to use articles to chart the 12 year journey that this amazing film went on. 2007 March 2007 - Production begins.  The creative team is working on two films.  "Bolden" a musical biography with Anthony Mackie (“We Are Marshall”) in the lead role and “The Great Observer (eventually the short f...

There's a Teddy Pendergrass biopic in the works!! Warner Bros. has acquired the singer’s life rights. After actively campaigning to play the singer for a while now, Tyrese Gibson has been cast as singer Teddy Pendergrass. On playing his dream role Tyrese said: “I am honored to take this journey… this is the role that I feel I was born to play,“ Gibson said. "Teddy Pendergrass embraced me and before he passed put the responsibility on my shoulders to tell his story. Being here in this time and in this space and moment with Lee Daniels, Donald De Line, Little Marvin and Warner Bros is an answered prayer. Teddy, I just hope we make you, your wife and family proud… Here we go!!” Donald De Line, Lee Daniels and Gibson are producing the film. Little Marvin is the scriptwriter, and  Pendergrass' widow, Joan Pendergrass, will be an executive producer. 

The hit series Black-ish may be getting another spinoff! This time we will be taken back in time. Set in the 1980’s the prequel spinoff will follow a pre-teen version of Tracee Ellis Ross’ Rainbow Johnson. Young Rainbow will be played by newcomer Arica Himmel. Tika Sumpter (Southside with You, Bessie, Sparkle) will play Rainbow’s mother Alicia, alongside Anders Holm as Rainbow’s father Paul. Rainbow’s parents have previously appeared on Black-ish and were portrayed by Anna Deveare Smith and Beau Bridges. The prospective, series (which does not yet have a name) could be the second spinoff of the black-ish franchise; Freeform’s Grown-ish being the first. The potential series will follow a 12-year-old Bow, who is described as emotionally and intellectually brilliant yet clueless, confused and awkward.  Little actor and actress Ethan William Childress and Mykal-Michelle Harris will play Bow’s siblings Johan and Santamonica. The adult versions of Johan and Santamo...

People was given an exclusive first look at Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman, in the upcoming biopic Harriet . This biopic will is based on the story of iconic freedom fighter Harriet Tubman, her escape from slavery and subsequent missions to free dozens of slaves through the Underground Railroad in the face of growing pre-Civil War adversity. Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman. (Glen Wilson / Focus Features) Cynthia Erivo is set to play the legendary woman. Kasi Lemmons (Eve's Bayou) is the biopics director. There has been some controversy surrounding the fact that such an amazing African American woman would not be played by an African American woman. In an interview with Janell Hobson of Ms. Magazine Lemmons had this to say: I understand and respect the conversation. It just doesn’t have anything to do with my experience, you know what I mean? [Cynthia Erivo] was attached for years before I came onto the project. But I met her, and I said, “This woman is absolutely right ...

According to Variety , the Aretha Franklin biopic titled Respect is set for an August 14, 2020 theatrical release.  The biopic will be directed by Liesl Tommy and the script will be written by Callie Khouri. The film is being produced by Straight Outta Compton producer Scott Bernstein and songwriter and producer Harvey Mason Jr.. Mason has written and produced for both Franklin and Hudson. As previously discussed ,  Jennifer Hudson was  handpicked for the role, by the Queen of Soul herself. Respect will follow Franklin's rise to fame from her childhood in the church to her life as a soul/R&B star.  I look forward to this biopic!! 

Watch this awesome short film Mr. Malcolm's List. Written by Suzanne Allain and based on her script and novel of the same name, the short film is set in early 1800's England.  SUMMARY: The Honorable Mr. Malcolm (played by Sope Dirisu) has a secret. This elusive matrimonial prize, long the target of desperate debutantes and their matchmaking mothers, is well known for his fastidiousness. What is not well known is that he has a list of qualifications for his future bride. Can any woman hope to win the heart of such a hardened critic? Selina Dalton can only try her best. And when she begins to succeed, Jeremy Malcolm is not sure whether he has discovered the perfect woman... Or the perfect hoax. Of course, many people are super excited at a chance to see a Jane Austen-esque type film set in regency England with Black and Asian main characters. I am of course one of those people. Sope Dirisu has been in tons of period series/films/plays, so this isn't out of the...