Earlier this year, the British actor who played "Downton Abbey’s" first black character, Gary Carr, replaced Anthony Mackie in his long-in-development Buddy Bolden film.
When we interviewed Mackie last year while he was on "Pain & Gain" junket duties, he told us: "I’m not sure what’s going on with ‘Bolden.’ It’s been six years, so I’ve decided I was finished."
I can’t blame him for that; 6 years is a long time. But he’s certainly not desperate for work, given how busy he’s been over the years – although that leading man role in a major Hollywood motion picture all his own, continues to elude him.
Our last full report on the Bolden project was in late 2012, when first time director – jazz lover, musician and Hyatt hotel heir Dan Pritzker – said in an interview that he was in no rush to complete the film, adding that it was (is) a passion project for him, and his goal is make the best film possible.
"If I were doing this to make money, I wouldn’t have made a movie. I’m not a filmmaker," he said at the time, adding that it would be another 12 to 18 months before its expected release; and if the film doesn’t make any money, "It won’t affect my life."
Easy to say when you’re heir to billions of dollars!
Pritzker said he first heard of Buddy Bolden through a radio station manager back in 1996, and was inspired by his life then and there.
Alongside Gary Carr, ‘Bolden’s’ now includes Yaya DaCosta, Nelsan Ellis, and Ian McShane, although no word on what roles exactly each of them has signed up to play.
But clearly there’s still hope for ‘Bolden’ (just without Mackie). This could be Gary Carr’s breakout role Stateside, so kudos to him!
Shooting on ‘Bolden’ is expected to be completed this year.
