Chris Rock is reported to be in final talks to direct and produce what is being called a “definitive cinematic biopic” about Martin Luther King, Jr. for Universal Pictures, according to Deadline.
The film will be based on Jonathan Eig’s biography of the civil rights leader, King: A Life. Steven Spielberg will executive produce, with Amblin partners producing. Kristie Macosko Krieger will produce with Rock.
King: A Life is seen by many to be the definitive account of King’s life thanks to its use of newly declassified information the FBI collected on King, as well as other previously unused sources. Like the book, the film is expected to show King struggled with his human faults and threats from the government while being a larger-than-life hero.
There have been several depictions of King on screen, with one of the most popular being David Oyelowo‘s turn as the leader in Ava DuVernay’s Selma. While it’s still unknown as to who will play King in this film, it is clear that all eyes will be on the film’s development given the weight of the subject matter, the book’s reputation, and the names behind it.