Anthony Mackie is Captain America. Sure, that’s fiction and he’s really just a quality actor and storyteller, but he also gets to put on a red, white, and blue costume (with wings and a shield) and punch bad guys in the face. All that to say, Hollywood should let the man do whatever he wants, such as becoming a filmmaker and directing his first feature, “Spark.”
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According to Make it with Gravy Productions, Mansa Productions, and Mandalay Pictures in Association with Ambergreen Entertainment (got all that?), Anthony Mackie is set to step behind the camera for the first time and direct a feature titled, “Spark.” The drama is based on the incredible true story of Claudette Colvin, who is a pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement. The film will star “King Richard” breakout, Saniyya Sidney, in the lead role, and “Spark” is written by Niceole R. Levy, who previously worked with Mackie on the Apple TV+ feature, “The Banker.”
Here’s the synopsis for the film:
SPARK follows the true story of Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old girl who bravely stood up to racism – refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus nine months before icon Rosa Parks. Initially embraced by Civil Rights leaders for her courage, Claudette is brushed out of history because those same civic leaders decided a poor, dark-skinned teenage girl can’t be the face of their public campaign.
“When at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, I came across Ms. Colvins story,” said Mackie. “Not only was I moved but I was inspired. It’s great to be a superhero in movies, but she’s a real-life one living amongst us and I’m honored to tell her story.”
Claudette Colvin added, “67 years ago, when history glued me to the seat of that bus in Montgomery, I could never have imagined that standing up for my rights could spark a movement that would change the course of history. It is really an honor to have my story retold, by Mr. Mackie, for future generations to learn about our past so they can move forward knowing that progress is possible, and things do get better. I hope my story will inspire youth to continue to fight for civil rights and human dignity.”
It’s unclear when Mackie will begin production on “Spark.” Obviously, he has that whole Captain America thing to deal with (he’s already attached to “Captain America 4,” as well as whatever other appearances his character will have over the coming years). But hopefully, he can squeeze in “Spark” soon enough.
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