NEWSLETTER and PRESS July 2010
3. Bassett Set To "Jump The Broom"
Angela Bassett recently joined the film "Juming the Broom" that is produced by T.D. Jakes, Curtis Wallace, Tracey Edmonds, Glendon Palmer and Elizabeth Hunter. The film co-stars Paula Patton. Bassett will play Patton’s mother, an heiress and a pillar of the Washington elite.
The film follows two black families from opposite ends of the socioeconomic spectrum meeting for the first time during a weekend wedding Martha’s Vineyard.
Salim Akil will direct and Arlene Gibbs wrote the script, which Elizabeth Hunter is rewriting.
Shooting set to began early
summer in Nova Scotia.
4. Denzel Washington is Trying to Get into the ‘Safe House’
Denzel Washington has his eye on the Universal Pictures drama “Safe House,” which shadows a young CIA agent who must transport a dangerous criminal to safety after both are attacked at a safe house.
If Washington snags the role he will play a criminal. Chris Pine, who co-stars with Washington in the upcoming drama pic “Unstoppable,” is rumored to play a CIA agent.
Scott Stuber will produce and Daniel Espinosa will direct from a script written by David Guggenheim.
Further details weren’t released during press time.
2. Are White Actresses Stealing Black Women’s Roles? Angelina Jolie to Play Cleopatra, ‘Queen of the Nile’
Film producer Scott Rudin has purchased the film rights to upcoming biography ‘Queen of the Nile, Cleopatra: A Life,’ and has confirmed that the movie is being developed for and with [Angelina] Jolie.” Jolie, a Hollywood A-lister, will do her best in bringing the story of the famed Egyptian queen to life, and it appears no one doubts she can do it… including Pulitzer prize-winning author Stacy Schiff, who penned the biography, “Cleopatra: A Life,” a book that won’t be on shelves until the fall.
Schiff already heavily endorses Jolie, stating, “I think she’d be perfect for it and I can see a possible Oscar in her future. Physically, she’s got the perfect look.” 47 years ago Elizabeth Taylor was cast to portray Cleopatra in one of the most expensive films ever made? That Elizabeth Taylor was actually the third White woman to be tapped for the Cleopatra role — following Vivien Leigh and Claudette Colbert — just makes this all the more interesting in an increasingly color struck Hollywood.
Were Vanessa Williams, Taraji P. Henson, Paula Patton, Angela Bassett, Thandie Newton or all the others simply unavailable for auditions that day? Maybe they auditioned and weren't good enough. YEAH RIGHT! Why does Hollywood think it’s even slightly plausible to cast White women in roles that would be more sensible to cast a Black actress especially when that role is an African queen. Granted not all Africans are Black but Cleopatra was. Okay, historically there is no concrete confirmation that Cleopatra was of a darker complexion, but there is more evidence than not that she was Black, and not entirely of Macedonian Greek ancestry, as Shakespeare, leagues of painters and now Hollywood would have us believe. And, ultimately, while Cleopatra’s heritage remains under speculation, it remains that she was in fact an African queen. Jolie — not so perfect even though she is fine and extremely talented.
Black Hollywood actresses have a tough time getting mainstream roles anyway, why not at least cast someone in this role that is more believable. Leave it to Hollywood.
5. 50 Cent Playing the ‘Starving Artist’ Role
50 Cent has recently lost a substantial amount of weight for his role in the film “Things Fall Apart.” The rapper-turned-actor lost about 60 pounds in 9 weeks to play a football player that is diagnosed with cancer. The film is being directed by Melvin Van Peebles (New Jack City) and produced by 50 cent and Randall Emmett though his Cheetah Vision Films. The film also stars Lynn Whitfield. While filming the movie, 50 posted pictures of his new frame on his website, htpp://www.thisis50.com. He dropped down to 160 pounds from 214, while also losing 6 inches from his waist.
His nine-week diet and training session comprised of a liquid diet and daily walks on a treadmill for up to three hours.
Melvin Van Peebles is directing the film from a script 50 and Brian Miller wrote. 50 is also producing through his Cheetah Vision Films.
He’ll next be seen on the big screen in the drama “Twelve” starring Chace Crawford.
6. Thandie Newton Replaces Mariah Carey in ‘Colored Girls’
Tyler Perry chooses Thandie Newton to replace Mariah Carey in the adaption of Ntozake Shange’s 1975 play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf.” Due to doctor’s orders, Carey dropped out of the film five days before filming was scheduled to start. In a recent letter written to the fans, Perry says “What I do know of [Carey] is that she is a professional and wouldn’t back out of a deal unless it was a major issue. So, whatever is going on, I wish her and Nick [Cannon] the best and she has all my love, prayers and support.”
Newton will star alongside an A-list cast including Whoppi Goldberg, Kerry Washington and Janet Jackson.
“Colored Girl” is currently underway in Atlanta.
1. Unauthorized Biopic of Oprah Winfrey In The Making
Producer Larry Thompson recently announced that he plans on turning Kitty Kelley’s controversial unauthorized biography on Oprah Winfrey into a TV movie or a miniseries. The biopic, said to be optioned for six figures, will air in September 2011, which will coincide with the end of Winfrey’s syndicate episode.
“Oprah Winfrey is a very powerful woman, and that’s also something that will make our movie great. As for the challenge of casting Winfrey, the plan is to audition both known and unknown actresses,” Thompson said, who prefers to cast an unknown. “Oprah Winfrey is one of the most famous faces on the planet, and if you have an actress people know, it may make it more difficult to get into the character as the face may block the icon.”
The film is being made without Winfrey’s permission and participation, she has yet to comment.
