Universal Pictures is set to produce a biopic about the life of Martin Luther King Jr., based on the critically acclaimed biography “King: A Life” by Jonathan Eig. Comedian Chris Rock is in final talks to direct and produce the film, with Steven Spielberg as an executive producer.
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The film will be produced by Amblin Partners, with Kristie Macosko Krieger and Chris Rock as producers. “King: A Life” is known for its thorough research. It has been hailed as a definitive biography of the civil rights icon Dr. King, for its use of previously untapped sources that include newly declassified FBI information. The book sketches out the courageous man who demanded peaceful protests in the segregationist south, all the while grappling with his own frailties and a federal government that haunted his every step instead of treating him like the hero history shows him to be.
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Chris Rock, known for his comedy, has previously directed films like “Top Five.” He is also a four-time Emmy and three-time Grammy winner. His Netflix stand-up special, “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage,” was a historic global live streaming event. He is set to produce an animated series titled “Everybody Still Hates Chris” for Paramount+ and Comedy Central.
Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development, Ryan Jones, will oversee the project. The book deal for “King: A Life” was brokered by Lucy Stille at Lucy Stille Literary. Jonathan Eig, the author, has several works in development for film and TV, including “The Birth of The Pill,” “Ali: A Life,” and “Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig.” He also served as a consulting producer for the PBS series “Muhammad Ali,” directed by Ken Burns.
This biopic promises to provide an informative and authentic portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and contributions to the civil rights movement. We’ll update as we know more.
(originally read on Deadline)