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, Mila Kunis and John Cusack have all emerged as potential cast members and 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 Alex Pettyfer is set to play the role of Thomas Westphall, a pivotal influence in Allen's life. Vanessa Redgrave co-stars. Alan Rickman, Cuba Gooding Jr., Jesse Williams and Terrence Howard are all in line for cameos
Pamela Williams is producing the film
Filming begins mid-July in New Orleans.
No comments:
Post a Comment