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Saturday, July 21, 2012

Marsden Is JFK In "The Butler"

James Marsden will replace Matthew McConaughey as former U.S. President John F. Kennedy in Lee Daniels’ historical biopic "The Butler" reports Variety.


Matt's exit was due to a scheduling conflict with the long-gestating AIDS drama "The Dallas Buyer's Club" McConaughey is helping to shape the Club script. Production starts on that film in the Fall.

The Butler 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. Cusack is 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. Colman Domingo will play a fellow butler. Robin Williams has been cast as President Dwight D. Eisenhower 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

Production kicks off later this month in New Orleans.

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