LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Lee Daniels is firming up the cast of "Selma," his civil-rights follow-up to "Precious," even as its funding is on shaky ground.
Entertainment | Film
David Oyelowo, the British actor who appeared in "A Raisin in the Sun" and stars in George Lucas' "Red Tails," will play the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Hugh Jackman is on board as a racist sheriff in the tale revolving around the historic marches staged by King in 1965 in Selma, Ala. The part of Alabama Gov. George Wallace remains up for grabs.
British producer Pathe International was on board to finance but might be scaling back its involvement, the extent of which was not immediately clear. It is known that the project is being shopped around in the hope of raising funds.
Financial straits aren't new for Daniels, who faced similar hurdles when making "Precious." It was financed by a wealthy Colorado couple, and won two Oscars earlier this month.
Oyelowo also appeared in "The Last King of Scotland" and HBO's "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency."


Precious director hires Brit to play MLK | Reuters

Lee Daniel's is directing it? I'm really worried. However, I will try to keep an open mind on this project.

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not a daniels fan.

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I'm with you all that are erring on the side of caution with Mr. Lee Daniels. Mr. Daniels seems like he will put forth anything that is sensational to make a dollar.

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I am very hopeful that it will be a realistic portrait of the complete man that was Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was a complex man who died making a contribution to the African-American community and this country. He was not a saint and there seems to be a belief system that if the truth be known, somehow his contributions will be lessened. I remember going into the room that was Dr. King's at the Civil Rights Museum at the former Lorraine Hotel in Memphis and being surprised seeing cigarette butts. I know that sounds silly but I had no idea that Dr. King was a smoker. There are other things and truths about the man that can be shared in a polished and dignified manner.

The MLK's family had some concerns because Daniels was going to include a scene where MLK was in bed with another woman. Daniels decided not to.

What you've mentioned is included in a lot of the literature on MLK. Now, it's a shame that many people don't read so they have no idea that MLK smoked and even carried a pistol for a while. It's just that we have to be cautious of things including films when we don't control such films. He who holds the purse strings controls and that ain't Lee Daniels.

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I agree with many of you guys that Dr. King was a very a complex figure. I agree with Kamala that sometimes Lee Daniels will probably sensationalize him to please many of the White liberals since most put him as the "Good non-threatening negro" who sensationalize race relations. Which he was not. I'm worried because Lee Daniel's adaptations of other works are usually terribly executed. I just think he isn't the right man for such a big project. I would rather have Spike. However, I'm going to keep an open mind still because it might turn out great.

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Another Selma Lord Selma.?

HMMM this movie will be interesting to say the least.

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Daniels lacks subtlety. He clashes images together which have no other value but to shock. He wants to be the black tarentino, but lacks QT's humor and quirkiness.

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So, this is the actor to play MLK? He favors Eddie Murphy. There's been talk that Ed's been interested in the role for years.

Anyway, I'm also a bit concerned about Daniels directing. His films tend to be very disturbing. There's always an element of darkness in them; which is why I get the sense that this movie will not be ALL pleasing, but we shall see.

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Lee Daniels? PASS.

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Love this guy!

He's handsome

Him and His wife, she's also an actress

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