Steve McQueen to Helm a Paul Robeson Biopic (& other news)
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 12:01PM
Manuel here bringing you news about Steve McQueen's next film project.
Surely one of the joys of this past Oscar season was McQueen's ebullience, no?
While we know McQueen has been busy casting his lead for his HBO pilot, Codes of Conduct, it was less clear what his follow-up to his Academy Award winning 12 Years a Slave would be. Well, now we have an answer: a Paul Robeson biopic. He’s quoted by The Guardian, noting that,
“His life and legacy was the film I wanted to make the second after Hunger. But I didn’t have the power, I didn’t have the juice.”
Robeson’s life will surely offer McQueen quite a bit to play with, though I’d love for him to focus on Robeson’s impact and role in the Harlem Renaissance; might I be selfish in wanting him to craft an entire movie out of Robeson’s (in)famous Emperor Jones production? I feel we’ve yet to get a big-screen treatment of that colorful era, with so much necessary cultural history embedded within. After 12 Years’ historic win, it seems fitting that McQueen (who’s teaming up with Harry Belafonte for the pic) would use his leverage to get his passion project off the ground and particularly timely as 2014 continues to see films for, about, and by black artists taking center stage in mainstream conversations.
And for those of you who want to champion and support work by African American women (also beautifully being spotlit recently with Ava Duvernay, Gina Prince-Bythewood, as well as Brit Amma Asante’s films all receiving warm critical and box office notices), the African-American Women in Cinema festival kicks off today in New York City. It looks like a wonderfully diverse slate; the opening night film Seasons of Love features Taraji P. Henson, (also soon to be seen in the upcoming Lee Daniels’ produced television show Empire which will hopefully give her the juice role she deserves) as well as the fittingly and timely titled Afraid of the Dark documentary which attempts to answer the question, in director Mya B.’s words, “Why is everyone afraid of black men?” Let us know if you make it to any of the films!
Taraji & Gladys Knight in Seasons of Love
Who do you think McQueen should cast as Robeson? And while we’re on the subject, share with us your favorite film directed by a woman of color (mine’s The Watermelon Woman); I’m always on the lookout for new titles from voices that veer away from the stronghold of the straight white male director.
Reader Comments (21)
Chiwetel Ejiofor would be good. Still want him to win.
Brian Stokes Mitchell. He would ROCK that role.
I couldn't disagree more, Henry.
The first name that occurred to me: Colman Domingo.
The top of Paul's head and his height is what stands out to me. So Idris Elba it is.
Jason made a brilliant suggestion today on his blog with NATE PARKER see here
But can Nate Parker sing?
Josh--co-sign.
Also, Chadwick Boseman would be great.
Nate Parker--nice!
I am already very excited about this project. McQueen could do so much with this story.
I must admit, Colman Domingo has the right physicality for Paul Robeson; I have not heard him sing. After the great mismatch of singers in Les Mis can we PLEASE have an opera singer? Ryan Speedo Green has the presence, the voice and the chops for this role.
Definitely looks and sounds right for Robeson, Leslie19. Now, can he act in the non-singing parts?
Most of the reviews are around his voice, but the newer younger opera singers often can act far better than the older generation. I would suspect the bigger transition might be one from stage to the intimacy of film
I totally agree with what was said about the lack of cinematic representation for the Harlem Renaissance. It seems like a time period tailor-made for the big screen and yet it's rarely given that treatment. I'm very excited to see what McQueen does with this. I definitely need to familiarize myself with Robeson's work, though.
Norm Lewis is another name to consider. He has the voice and is a good actor. I don't think a physical copy is as necessary as being able to pull off the qualities. Lewis probably doesn't have a big enough profile though.
I don't think you need to look like Robeson but a great physical presence is required to show the power of Emperor Jones
I agree about the physical presence, Robeson was 6'3" and full bodied (former football player). I would expect though, with the wealth of talented Black actors who top 6'1" that Ejifor (5'10") and Parker (6' or under) would not be in the running. Mitchell, Domingo, Elba and Lewis all fit the bill. It would be so much easier to cast the other roles if a tall man is cast as Robeson.
Because so much of the "drama" of Robeson's life begins with EJ (the Othello performances and the human rights stuff) when Robeson was in his mid-thirties and beyond, I would expect someone older than Boseman as well.
Eve's Bayou--Kasi Lemmons I know it isn't new but it's a favorite film of mine. Debbie Morgan should have a bigger career.
Djimon Hounsou! He has the has the right physicality and he's a really good actor.
Colman Domingo all the way. That man is a good effing actor! He can sing too- a seasoned Broadway performer with a Tony and an Olivier noms.
@ Paul Outlaw, I saw Domingo doing Athol Fugard's Bloodknot in New York a couple of years ago. He was phenomenal! Most definitely has the acting chops as a non-singer.
That's why I thought of him immediately, David.
As a huge All My Children fan, I witnessed Debbi Morgan essaying the role of glamorous, gutsy Dr. Angela Hubbard with sublime perfection.
Will Smith of course. and meryl Streep as mrs.