Universal Pictures has announced an open casting call for actors, musicians and extras to audition for its James Brown biopic, which will be shooting in Natchez and Jackson, Mississippi, beginning this November.
Titled Get On Up, Universal says the film will “give a fearless look inside the music, moves and moods of Brown, taking audiences on the journey from his impoverished childhood to his evolution into one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.“
Chadwick Boseman is set to play Brown in the Tate Taylor directed film, with talk that Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer could be reuniting with their The Help director, to play supporting roles in the film.
Also True Blood star, Nelsan Ellis, is said to be in Taylor’s sights for a supporting role as well.
No word yet, however, on what roles Davis, Spencer and Ellis are being considered for.
Casting for Get On Up will be held this Saturday, September 21 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
More from the email I received:
Casting directors are looking for actors, musicians and extras of all ethnicities and ages to audition for the upcoming drama about the life of James Brown. Musical skills are welcome but not required. As GET ON UP takes place from the 1930s to the 1980s, period hairstyles are a plus. If you currently shave your head, please allow your hair to begin to grow before the casting call. The casting call will take place at the Old City Auditorium at 207 Jefferson in Natchez, Miss. You are asked to bring a current, non-returnable photo. If you are unable to attend the open call, you may email your current photo—along with name, contact information (phone number and email), height, weight and availability to GetOnUpExtras@gmail.com.
The film is being produced by Brian Grazer and Mick Jagger, for Universal Pictures.
The screenplay has been penned by Jez Butterworth & John-Henry Butterworth (they wrote the script for Fair Game, the Naomi Watts and Sean Penn film).
