The film follows the true story of Eugene Allen, (Forest Whitaker) a black man who served as a White House butler for 34 years starting in 1952. He ended up serving eight presidents and had a unique front row seat as political and racial history was being made.
Danny Strong wrote the script which was rewritten by Daniels and is based on a Washington Post article by Wil Haygood
Allen’s wife died the day before the 2008 election and was buried on the same day that the article was published. Eugene died in 2010.
"The Help" actor David Oyelowo plays the role of Allen's son. Former talk show queen Oprah Winfrey to play Allen’s wife. Hugh Jackman, and John Cusack have all emerged as potential cast members in the film with Cusack to play President Richard M. Nixon. Liam Neeson is reportedly being lined up to play President Lyndon B. Johnson. Jane Fonda is linked to the role of Nancy Reagan. Minka Kelly has been cast as Jackie Kennedy while Alan Rickman, Cuba Gooding Jr., Jesse Williams and Terrence Howard are all in line for cameos
Pamela Williams is producing the film.
Production kicks off July 16th.
The exit is due to a scheduling conflict with the long-gestating AIDS drama "The Dallas Buyer's Club" McConaughey denies the horrible reviews for Daniels' "The Paperboy", in which he has a part, had been a factor in the decision. McConaughey is helping to shape the Club script. Production starts on that film in the Fall.
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