Steven Spielberg is set to produce a biopic based on the life of African-American civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. for Dreamworks, according to Variety.
The project will be the first film to gain authorization by King’s estate and will be allowed to use all intellectual property including, of course, the famous “I Have a Dream” speech for the film.
“We are all honored that the King Estate is giving us the opportunity to tell the story of these defining, historic events,” Spielberg said. “It is our hope that the creative power of film and the impact of Dr. King’s life can combine to present a story of undeniable power that we can all be proud of.”
King was the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and discrimination and has been posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. He is also a recognized saint by two Christian churches.
The biopic has apparently been a dream project for Spielberg and DreamWorks CEO and co-chairman Stacey Snider who has been forever keen on acquiring the rights. “In trying to tackle such an ambitious project, the question we had to ask ourselves is, ‘Why now?’ ” Snider asked. “The answer lies in MLK’s own words: ‘All progress is precarious.’ With every step forward, new obstacles emerge and we must never forget that his life and his teachings continue to challenge us every day to stand up to hatred and inequality.”
No word yet on any talent involved.
HBO Films did a great biopic on MLK, titled “Boycott”, which focused on the Selma bus boycott years. Probably not as a grand or epic as what Spielberg is planning, but that is what made it effective. Plus, its going to be hard to top Jeffrey Wright’s outstanding performance as the Rev.