According to The Hollywood Reporter, a feature film based on the life of writer and activist James Baldwin is in development with Emmy Award-winner Billy Porter attached to star in the lead role. Porter also co-wrote the screenplay with Dan McCabe. The film is an adaptation of David Leeming’s 1994 book “James Baldwin: A Biography.”
James Baldwin is one of the most influential American authors and activists, extensively writing stories about race relations, sexuality, and life as an African American. His work includes “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Notes of a Native Son,” and a personal favorite of mine, “Giovanni’s Room.” This role is the perfect opportunity for Porter to continue showing us his varied skills as a performer. This might also be the kind of performance that could bring Porter from the Emmy stage to the Oscars for the first time in his career. I’m interested to see what filmmaker would like to direct Porter in what could be a very ambitious and impactful biopic.
Who do you think should direct this project? Do you think Billy Porter is a good choice to play the legendary James Baldwin? Who would you like to see direct the film? Please let us know in the comments section below or over on our Twitter account.
