
It's no secret that filmmaker Spike Lee has been looking to get several projects off the ground, including a biopic on legendary soul singer James Brown. At the Sundance Film Festival last week, Lee told MTV that he wants Wesley Snipes to play Brown.
Unlike other movies based on the lives of music greats, Snipes will not be honing his singing skills for the film if green-lighted. "He's my man," Lee said, but when it comes to the vocals on classic tracks such as 'I Got You (I Feel Good)' and 'Get Up Offa That Thing,' "I want to hear James Brown's voice," the director said. "That's just my personal taste."
Shortly after Brown died of congestive heart failure in 2006, Lee and Paramount Pictures tapped Snipes to play the "Godfather of Soul." But with Snipes facing tax-evasion charges and a lack of funding for the film, the project simply faded away. Now that Snipes is making a comeback to the big screen with his role in 'Brooklyn's Finest,' which was picked up for distribution at Sundance, there may be hope yet for the Brown film.
If anyone is counting, we have yet to see biopics on Jackie Robinson, boxer Joe Louis, and Marvin Gaye.


Comments: (26)
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By: AURELIA JOHNSON on 1/31/2009 12:31AM
I think MC Hammer would be a great choice because of his ability to do the James Brown moves. I love Wesley Snipes, but I don't think he would make a good JB.
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By: Sally on 1/31/2009 1:11AM
Let James play himself..Don't they have his body on ice still?
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By: BABS on 1/31/2009 2:26AM
Hammer is the best choice. He has the moves, look, voice, etc.
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By: jasmine brown on 2/01/2009 3:05AM
i think eddie murphy would make a good james brown as far as wesley snipes that wouldn't be a idea
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By: Insane Elaine on 2/03/2009 12:43AM
#14 Jesse Martin of Law & Order is slated to play Marvin Gaye. From what I hear he can actually sing so this might work. Let's just see what happens...
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By: Insane Elaine on 2/03/2009 12:41AM
As far as James Brown I could see Wayne Brady, Eddie Murphy or Leon. WHOEVER does it should have the look, and the moves. To his credit, he was an ORIGINAL.
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