Award-winning director Lee Daniels‘ newest project takes him to the steps of the White House. The Precious director has signed a deal to rewrite and direct a “The Butler,” a film that chronicles the life of Eugene Allen. Allen, an African-American butler that served the White House for 34 years and 8 presidents, passed away March 2010 of renal failure. Denzel Washington is said to be in talks for the lead role.

Despite playing a supporting role out of the spotlight of the media, Allen’s story Read the rest of this entry »

R&B diva Mary J. Blige has signed on to play “The High Priestess of Soul” Nina Simone in a biopic on the legendary singer. The film, titled “Nina,” will concentrate on the latter years of Simone’s life and her relationship with assistant Clifton Henderson, played by David Oyelowo.

Oyelowo’s past credits include “The Last King of Scotland,” “A Raisin in the Sun” and “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” starring Jill Scott. Oyelowo is also signed on to play Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Lee Daniels‘ upcoming civil rights film “Selma,” which is currently Read the rest of this entry »

Director Lee Daniels has vowed to uphold the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in an upcoming biopic titled, Selma. Daniels has offered the King family assurances to quash their fairs that the film will touch on Dr. King’s extramarital affairs.

The project’s script portrays Dr. King as a tireless martyr of the civil rights movement but also as a man who had a “weakness for women.”

In one scene, Read the rest of this entry »