Biopics about black musicians are on the rise again, so it only makes sense that black Hollywood want to take part in the resurgence. Case in point, Mekhi Phifer. The actor best known for his role as ‘Lem’ in the hit movie “Soul Food”, wants to play Al Green in a biopic about the singer and reverend’s life.
“I’ve always been an avid fan of Al Green. I would love to do the Al Green story,” Phifer said. “I think his story is a very intriguing one and when you talk about a character arc… His story is the ultimate character arc to me.”
While he admits that he’s not much of a singer, Phifer doesn’t think that will be a problem.
“I can act like I can sing, the way Angela Bassett acted like she was Tina Turner,” he said. “That’s something that I would love to explore. I love the music. I love the era in which he’s at the height of his career. I would definitely love to do something like the Al Green story.”
Although comedies are popular now, independent black films (specifically dramas) are gaining mainstream success these days and biopics about the lives of James Brown (played by Chadwick Boseman), Nina Simone (played by Zoe Saldana) and Jimi Hendrix (played by Andre 3000) are soon-to-be-released.
Do you think Mekhi is the best person for the role? Who else could you see cast as Al Green?
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(Photo Source: PR Photos)
