Photo credit: Getty Images
Fred White
White, the original drummer for Earth, Wind & Fire who played on their 1980 hit “Shining Star,” died Jan. 1 of undisclosed causes. He was 67.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Gangsta Boo
The Tennessee-based former member of the Oscar-winning rap group Three 6 Mafia, whose real name was Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, died Jan. 1 of undisclosed causes, though an autopsy is pending. She was 43.
James D. Brubaker
Brubaker, who started out as a driver on Hollywood sets before rising through the ranks to become a producer on films including “Rocky IV” and “Right Stuff,” died Jan. 3 after a series of strokes. He was 85.
Peter Rawley
Rawley, a longtime talent agent for ICM Partners and former MGM executive, died on Jan. 3. He was 85.
Photo credit: Gregory Yee/Twitter
Gregory Yee
Yee, a breaking news reporter for the LA Times, died Jan. 4 from complications from a respiratory illness. He was 33.
Earl Boen
Boen,...
Fred White
White, the original drummer for Earth, Wind & Fire who played on their 1980 hit “Shining Star,” died Jan. 1 of undisclosed causes. He was 67.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Gangsta Boo
The Tennessee-based former member of the Oscar-winning rap group Three 6 Mafia, whose real name was Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, died Jan. 1 of undisclosed causes, though an autopsy is pending. She was 43.
James D. Brubaker
Brubaker, who started out as a driver on Hollywood sets before rising through the ranks to become a producer on films including “Rocky IV” and “Right Stuff,” died Jan. 3 after a series of strokes. He was 85.
Peter Rawley
Rawley, a longtime talent agent for ICM Partners and former MGM executive, died on Jan. 3. He was 85.
Photo credit: Gregory Yee/Twitter
Gregory Yee
Yee, a breaking news reporter for the LA Times, died Jan. 4 from complications from a respiratory illness. He was 33.
Earl Boen
Boen,...
- 10/1/2023
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
Clockwise from top left: Malcolm X (Warner Bros.), Washington at the 74th Annual Academy Awards (Getty/Frederick M. Brown) Training Day (Warner Bros/Screenshot), Remember The Titans (Buena Vista Pictures/Screenshot), Fences (Paramount). Graphic: The A.V. Club
In 2020, The New York Times anointed Denzel Washington the greatest actor of the 21st century so far.
In 2020, The New York Times anointed Denzel Washington the greatest actor of the 21st century so far.
- 8/31/2023
- by Phil Pirrello
- avclub.com
Four-time Grammy winner Lenny Kravitz will perform for Sunday’s emotional “In Memoriam” segment on the Oscars 2023 ceremony. While only 40-50 people are generally remembered for the television ceremony hosted by Jimmy Kimmel on ABC, over 200 people will be recognized on the Academy’s webpage starting that evening.
SEEWho is Performing at the Oscars 2023?: Full List of Presenters and Performers
Here is a lengthy list of many contributors to film who died since last year’s Academy Awards ceremony:
Mary Alice (actor)
Gil Alkabetz (animator)
Kirstie Alley (actor)
Burt Bacharach (composer)
Angelo Badalamenti (composer)
Simone Bär (casting director)
Joanna Barnes (actor)
Carl A. Bell (animator)
Jeff Berlin (sound)
David Birney (actor)
Bruce Bisenz (sound)
Robert Blake (actor)
Eliot Bliss (sound)
Nick Bosustow (shorts)
Albert Brenner (production designer)
Tom Bronson (costume designer)
James Caan (actor)
Michael Callan (actor)
Donn Cambern (editor)
Irene Cara (songwriter)
Gary W. Carlson (sound)
Marvin Chomsky...
SEEWho is Performing at the Oscars 2023?: Full List of Presenters and Performers
Here is a lengthy list of many contributors to film who died since last year’s Academy Awards ceremony:
Mary Alice (actor)
Gil Alkabetz (animator)
Kirstie Alley (actor)
Burt Bacharach (composer)
Angelo Badalamenti (composer)
Simone Bär (casting director)
Joanna Barnes (actor)
Carl A. Bell (animator)
Jeff Berlin (sound)
David Birney (actor)
Bruce Bisenz (sound)
Robert Blake (actor)
Eliot Bliss (sound)
Nick Bosustow (shorts)
Albert Brenner (production designer)
Tom Bronson (costume designer)
James Caan (actor)
Michael Callan (actor)
Donn Cambern (editor)
Irene Cara (songwriter)
Gary W. Carlson (sound)
Marvin Chomsky...
- 3/10/2023
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Groundbreaking screenwriter and playwright Gregory Allen Howard passed away today at the age of 70. Howard made waves when his spec script about a real-life Black coach coming into a newly segregated Virginia school and helping lead their football team to victory hit Hollywood and was snapped up by Jerry Bruckheimer. Ultimately, they'd hire Denzel Washington to play the lead coach, Herman Boone, and the rest is history. "Remember the Titans" would go on to break the 100 million mark at the box office in 2000, a surprise hit for Buena Vista and its parent company, Walt Disney Pictures.
This would mark the first-ever accomplishment of a spec sale leading to a 100 million+ hit from a screenwriter of color and set Howard as Hollywood's go-to guy when it came to adapting the stories of historical Black figures.
Like most screenwriters, a good amount of Howard's work would remain unproduced, but he did collaborate...
This would mark the first-ever accomplishment of a spec sale leading to a 100 million+ hit from a screenwriter of color and set Howard as Hollywood's go-to guy when it came to adapting the stories of historical Black figures.
Like most screenwriters, a good amount of Howard's work would remain unproduced, but he did collaborate...
- 1/28/2023
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
Gregory Allen Howard, the award-winning screenwriter of “Remember the Titans,” died Friday in Miami, Fla. following a brief illness, his publicist confirmed to Variety. He was 70.
Howard was best known for penning the screenplay for the 2000 classic sports film “Remember the Titans,” starring Denzel Washington and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.
Born in Norfolk, Va., Howard earned a bachelor’s degree in American history from Princeton University. Howard discovered the story of the 1971 Tc Williams High School football team, the Titans, on a trip home to Virginia. Inspired by the story, Howard developed and wrote the screenplay, becoming the first African American screenwriter to script a 100 million drama, and the only African American screenwriter in film history to write a 100 million spec script.
Howard began his writing career at the age of 48, with his first project being the Harriet Tubman biopic “Harriet,” which was originally assigned to him at Disney. However,...
Howard was best known for penning the screenplay for the 2000 classic sports film “Remember the Titans,” starring Denzel Washington and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.
Born in Norfolk, Va., Howard earned a bachelor’s degree in American history from Princeton University. Howard discovered the story of the 1971 Tc Williams High School football team, the Titans, on a trip home to Virginia. Inspired by the story, Howard developed and wrote the screenplay, becoming the first African American screenwriter to script a 100 million drama, and the only African American screenwriter in film history to write a 100 million spec script.
Howard began his writing career at the age of 48, with his first project being the Harriet Tubman biopic “Harriet,” which was originally assigned to him at Disney. However,...
- 1/28/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Gregory Allen Howard, the first African American screenwriter for a 100 million drama with Remember The Titans, died today in Miami after a brief illness, his publicist said. He was 70.
Howard also was the only African American screenwriter to write a spec script that became a 100 million movie, also for Remember the Titans, which starred Denzel Washington and was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story Virginia High School Featured In 'Remember The Titans' To Be Renamed Related Story Herman Boone Dies: 'Remember The Titans' Coach Portrayed By Denzel Washington Was 84
His credits included Ali, starring Will Smith and Jamie Foxx, directed by Michael Mannas, as well as the award-winning stage play Tinseltown Trilogy. Howard was a two-time winner of the NAACP Image Awards, and also won the Christopher Award, the Howard University Paul Robeson Award for artistic excellence, and the Heartland...
Howard also was the only African American screenwriter to write a spec script that became a 100 million movie, also for Remember the Titans, which starred Denzel Washington and was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story Virginia High School Featured In 'Remember The Titans' To Be Renamed Related Story Herman Boone Dies: 'Remember The Titans' Coach Portrayed By Denzel Washington Was 84
His credits included Ali, starring Will Smith and Jamie Foxx, directed by Michael Mannas, as well as the award-winning stage play Tinseltown Trilogy. Howard was a two-time winner of the NAACP Image Awards, and also won the Christopher Award, the Howard University Paul Robeson Award for artistic excellence, and the Heartland...
- 1/28/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Gregory Allen Howard, who wrote Remember the Titans and was a producer and writer behind Harriet, died Friday. He was 70.
Howard died following a brief illness in Miami, his rep Jeff Sanderson told The Hollywood Reporter.
Howard, born on Jan. 28, 1952, in Norfolk, Virginia, moved to Los Angeles in the ’90s to pursue a career as a screenwriter. He started making a name for himself in the early 2000s, writing Boaz Yakin’s award-winning Remember the Titans, which starred Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris and Donald Faison. Based on a true story, the film follows the story of Herman Boone, a new African American football coach as he trains a high school team during their first season as a racially integrated group.
He later earned a story-writing credit for Michael Mann’s Ali, the 2001 biopic of sports legend Muhammad Ali. The film, which was nominated for two Oscars, starred Will Smith,...
Howard died following a brief illness in Miami, his rep Jeff Sanderson told The Hollywood Reporter.
Howard, born on Jan. 28, 1952, in Norfolk, Virginia, moved to Los Angeles in the ’90s to pursue a career as a screenwriter. He started making a name for himself in the early 2000s, writing Boaz Yakin’s award-winning Remember the Titans, which starred Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris and Donald Faison. Based on a true story, the film follows the story of Herman Boone, a new African American football coach as he trains a high school team during their first season as a racially integrated group.
He later earned a story-writing credit for Michael Mann’s Ali, the 2001 biopic of sports legend Muhammad Ali. The film, which was nominated for two Oscars, starred Will Smith,...
- 1/28/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gregory Allen Howard, award-winning screenwriter of “Remember the Titans” and “Ali” who was also a prolific playwright, producer, author and public speaker, has died, according to his reps. He was 70.
Howard died Friday at his home in Miami after a brief illness, according to a statement from publicist Jeff Sanderson.
Howard was the first Black screenwriter to write a drama that passed 100 million at the box office when “Titans” crossed that milestone in 2000. He won the NAACP Image Award twice, the prestigious Christopher Award, the Howard University Award for artistic excellence and the Heartland Film Festival Award for screenwriting excellence.
He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, the son of a preschool teacher and the stepson of a Navy officer. His family relocated several times before settling down in Vallejo, California.
Howard graduated from Princeton and began writing in his specialty: true stories with a historical bent. He came across the...
Howard died Friday at his home in Miami after a brief illness, according to a statement from publicist Jeff Sanderson.
Howard was the first Black screenwriter to write a drama that passed 100 million at the box office when “Titans” crossed that milestone in 2000. He won the NAACP Image Award twice, the prestigious Christopher Award, the Howard University Award for artistic excellence and the Heartland Film Festival Award for screenwriting excellence.
He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, the son of a preschool teacher and the stepson of a Navy officer. His family relocated several times before settling down in Vallejo, California.
Howard graduated from Princeton and began writing in his specialty: true stories with a historical bent. He came across the...
- 1/28/2023
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
The ReFrame coalition has awarded 26 feature films released in 2019 with its ReFrame Stamp, which recognizes the top 100-grossing gender-balanced narrative and animated features. The list, which grew from 20 total films that earned the stamp a year ago, includes Booksmart, Captain Marvel, Harriet, Hustlers and Oscar Best Picture nominee Little Women.
This reflects gains for women in the important roles of director, department heads, and women of color leads and co-leads. With an aim to increase the number of women of all backgrounds working in film, TV, and media, the ReFrame Stamp, which is showcased in end credits and appears on IMDb, serves as a mark of distinction for projects that have demonstrated success in gender-balanced hiring. Additional points are awarded to content that has women of color in key positions.
This year’s list included 12 women directors (12 percent) in the top 100 films at the box office compared to 4 in 2018, with...
This reflects gains for women in the important roles of director, department heads, and women of color leads and co-leads. With an aim to increase the number of women of all backgrounds working in film, TV, and media, the ReFrame Stamp, which is showcased in end credits and appears on IMDb, serves as a mark of distinction for projects that have demonstrated success in gender-balanced hiring. Additional points are awarded to content that has women of color in key positions.
This year’s list included 12 women directors (12 percent) in the top 100 films at the box office compared to 4 in 2018, with...
- 2/26/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
To best appreciate the competitiveness and quality of the outstanding motion picture nominees for the 51st NAACP Image Awards, which takes place on Feb. 22, check the numbers.
All five of this year’s nominees — “Dolemite Is My Name” “Just Mercy” “Harriet” “Queen & Slim” and “Us” — scored well on Rotten Tomatoes. To wit, “Dolemite” nabbed a 97% “fresh” rating, “Us” landed at 93% and “Just Mercy” and “Queen and Slim” fielded an 84% and 83%, respectively. “Harriet,” starring Cynthia Erivo as the iconic Underground Railroad liberator, scored lowest with a still-respectable 73% rating.
Compare that to the dearth of choices as recently as seven years ago when “Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds,” which earned a 34% Rotten Tomatoes rating, was a contender in that same category. In other words, the Image Awards and the industry have come a long way.
“We created a nominating committee that’s diverse in terms of national perspectives around the art related to our community,...
All five of this year’s nominees — “Dolemite Is My Name” “Just Mercy” “Harriet” “Queen & Slim” and “Us” — scored well on Rotten Tomatoes. To wit, “Dolemite” nabbed a 97% “fresh” rating, “Us” landed at 93% and “Just Mercy” and “Queen and Slim” fielded an 84% and 83%, respectively. “Harriet,” starring Cynthia Erivo as the iconic Underground Railroad liberator, scored lowest with a still-respectable 73% rating.
Compare that to the dearth of choices as recently as seven years ago when “Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds,” which earned a 34% Rotten Tomatoes rating, was a contender in that same category. In other words, the Image Awards and the industry have come a long way.
“We created a nominating committee that’s diverse in terms of national perspectives around the art related to our community,...
- 2/21/2020
- by Mekeisha Madden Toby
- Variety Film + TV
In celebration of Black History Month, Focus Features and Regal have partnered to offer free screenings of Cynthia Erivo’s “Harriet” in 50 theaters on Feb. 4 and Feb. 11.
The film depicts the life of African American hero Harriet Tubman, who was born into slavery in 1822 in Maryland. She escaped in 1849 and became a pivotal figure in the anti-slavery movement by conducting more than a dozen missions to rescue enslaved people using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.
Erivo has been nominated for Academy Awards for best actress and best original song for “Stand Up,” which she co-wrote with Joshuah Brian Campbell. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Supporting cast for “Harriet” includes Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, Janelle Monáe, Vondie Curtis Hall and Vanessa Bell Calloway. Kasi Lemmons directed from a script she co-wrote with producer Gregory Allen Howard.
The film depicts the life of African American hero Harriet Tubman, who was born into slavery in 1822 in Maryland. She escaped in 1849 and became a pivotal figure in the anti-slavery movement by conducting more than a dozen missions to rescue enslaved people using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.
Erivo has been nominated for Academy Awards for best actress and best original song for “Stand Up,” which she co-wrote with Joshuah Brian Campbell. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Supporting cast for “Harriet” includes Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, Janelle Monáe, Vondie Curtis Hall and Vanessa Bell Calloway. Kasi Lemmons directed from a script she co-wrote with producer Gregory Allen Howard.
- 1/31/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Follow the inspirational journey of one of the bravest people and heroes in history, Harriet Tubman, as she risks her life to save others from the horrors of slavery in Harriet, arriving on Digital January 14, 2020 and Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand on January 28, 2020 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. With a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes®, Harriet on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital has a variety of compelling bonus features, including deleted scenes, a deeper look into Harriet Tubman’s story, and feature commentary with director and co-writer Kasi Lemmons. The captivating and emotional story of courage, Harriet has been nominated for two 2020 Golden Globe® awards including Best Actress in a Drama for Cynthia Erivo and Best Original Song for “Stand Up” which was co-written by film star Erivo and Joshuah Campbell. Additionally, the film was nominated for a SAG Award® and a Critics Choice Award, earning a total of three Best Actress nominations.
- 1/20/2020
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Kasi Lemmons' Harriet on Thursday scored the most NAACP Image Awards nominations of any film with 10, including one for star Cynthia Erivo's original song featured in the film, "Stand Up." The movie is also up for best soundtrack, outstanding motion picture, best actress (Erivo), supporting actor (Leslie Odom Jr.), supporting actress (Janelle Monáe), breakthrough performance (Erivo), ensemble cast, writing (Lemmons and Gregory Allen Howard) and directing (Lemmons).
Other films nominated for multiple NAACP Image Awards include Jordan Peele's Us, with eight nods; Eddie Murphy-starrer Dolemite Is My Name and Melina Matsoukas' Queen & Slim, which are up ...
Other films nominated for multiple NAACP Image Awards include Jordan Peele's Us, with eight nods; Eddie Murphy-starrer Dolemite Is My Name and Melina Matsoukas' Queen & Slim, which are up ...
2019 has been a reckoning, overdue and arguably well-deserved, for men in power. The ways in which this has played out in real life is, sadly, too often unsatisfying: criminals escape justice, the rich retain their wealth, and the corrupt remain in power. But on film, screenwriters can not only deliver satisfying resolutions to the stories that inflame our sense of outrage, but also examine the mindset of the people within and without the power structures that are in desperate need of change, whether they’re fighting it or helping it along. Some of these journeys come down to a simple loss of authority or relevance in the face of a changing world, and others are driven by an urgent need to foreground the previously marginalized, and to tear down antiquated and unbalanced institutions that favor the historically privileged. A remarkably diverse slate of films over the past year has addressed these ideas in thoughtful,...
- 1/3/2020
- by Todd Gilchrist
- Variety Film + TV
Viola Davis is responding to the news that a studio executive once suggested Julia Roberts to play abolitionist Harriet Tubman in a movie about her life.
“It happens all of the time [in Hollywood],” Davis, 54, recently told MadameNoire when asked to comment.
“Here’s the thing, simply put: Julia Roberts as Harriet Tubman is ridiculous,” she said. “That barely warrants a response. That’s ridiculous. I understand that the film industry very much is about commerce and money, I get it. But that’s ridiculous.”
Roberts was never involved in the project.
Last week, screenwriter Gregory Allen Howard — who co-wrote the screenplay...
“It happens all of the time [in Hollywood],” Davis, 54, recently told MadameNoire when asked to comment.
“Here’s the thing, simply put: Julia Roberts as Harriet Tubman is ridiculous,” she said. “That barely warrants a response. That’s ridiculous. I understand that the film industry very much is about commerce and money, I get it. But that’s ridiculous.”
Roberts was never involved in the project.
Last week, screenwriter Gregory Allen Howard — who co-wrote the screenplay...
- 11/27/2019
- by Helen Murphy
- PEOPLE.com
A few days ago, the screenwriter of the film ‘Harriet’, Gregory Allen Howard, was quoted saying that one Hollywood exec had tried to pass off Julia Roberts for the role of Harriet Tubman, a former slave turned abolitionist in 1994. The internet community was furious on hearing this. Keep reading to find out why. What is the film ‘Harriet’ all about? The film’s script was written in 1994 but it only managed to see the light of day last year. Despite the fact that it is a highly historical biopic of a brave woman who managed to defy all odds
What’s So Wrong With Julia Roberts Playing Harriet Tubman?...
What’s So Wrong With Julia Roberts Playing Harriet Tubman?...
- 11/25/2019
- by Aiden Mason
- TVovermind.com
The British star of Harriet, the new biopic of the great slave-turned-emancipator Harriet Tubman, Erivo first conquered Broadway – and now has Hollywood at her feet
You would hesitate to call it an image problem, but the anti-slavery activist Harriet Tubman has had some representation issues lately. In May, the Trump administration abruptly postponed plans to feature Tubman on the new $20 bill. She would have been the first African American to appear on a Us banknote, and the first woman in 150 years. The Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, made excuses about “security issues”; Donald Trump had already described the plan, hatched in the Obama era, as “pure political correctness”.
In this light, a biopic of Tubman should be something to applaud, although the fact that the movie, Harriet, is the first major film about her (and took 25 years to reach the screen) tells its own story about representation. As does the screenwriter...
You would hesitate to call it an image problem, but the anti-slavery activist Harriet Tubman has had some representation issues lately. In May, the Trump administration abruptly postponed plans to feature Tubman on the new $20 bill. She would have been the first African American to appear on a Us banknote, and the first woman in 150 years. The Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, made excuses about “security issues”; Donald Trump had already described the plan, hatched in the Obama era, as “pure political correctness”.
In this light, a biopic of Tubman should be something to applaud, although the fact that the movie, Harriet, is the first major film about her (and took 25 years to reach the screen) tells its own story about representation. As does the screenwriter...
- 11/22/2019
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Cynthia Erivo recently brought Harriet Tubman to life in Kasi Lemmons‘ biopic Harriet. But back in the 1990s, things could’ve gone very, very differently. According to Harriet screenwriter Gregory Allen Howard, an attempt to get the movie made back in 1994 resulted in one studio executive suggesting Julia Roberts for the role of the African-American abolitionist. Hollywood has a bad […]
The post Wtf: Julia Roberts Was Suggested to Play Harriet Tubman Back in the 1990s appeared first on /Film.
The post Wtf: Julia Roberts Was Suggested to Play Harriet Tubman Back in the 1990s appeared first on /Film.
- 11/20/2019
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Over the decades, stories have emerged about some of the truly horrific ideas that Hollywood studios have thrown out there. Hell, at one point, there were reports that Sony was exploring a spy film about Spider-Man’s Aunt May. But this story about the origins of the film “Harriet” might just take the cake in showing just how insane studios can be when trying to make money.
Speaking in an interview with Focus Features, “Harriet” writer Gregory Allen Howard (who also reiterated the story in a new La Times essay) told a story about how he originally pitched the idea of the film back in 1994.
Continue reading ‘Harriet’ Writer Reveals That A Studio Once Suggested Julia Roberts To Play Harriet Tubman In The Film at The Playlist.
Speaking in an interview with Focus Features, “Harriet” writer Gregory Allen Howard (who also reiterated the story in a new La Times essay) told a story about how he originally pitched the idea of the film back in 1994.
Continue reading ‘Harriet’ Writer Reveals That A Studio Once Suggested Julia Roberts To Play Harriet Tubman In The Film at The Playlist.
- 11/20/2019
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
It was once suggested that actress Julia Roberts portray abolitionist Harriet Tubman, according to a new interview with screenwriter Gregory Allen Howard.
In an interview with film studio Focus Features that was published earlier this month, Howard — who co-wrote the screenplay for this year’s Tubman biopic Harriet — said that when he started on the path to make the epic film over two and a half decades ago, a studio head suggested Roberts, 52, for the titular role.
“I wanted to turn Harriet Tubman’s life, which I’d studied in college, into an action-adventure movie. The climate in Hollywood, however,...
In an interview with film studio Focus Features that was published earlier this month, Howard — who co-wrote the screenplay for this year’s Tubman biopic Harriet — said that when he started on the path to make the epic film over two and a half decades ago, a studio head suggested Roberts, 52, for the titular role.
“I wanted to turn Harriet Tubman’s life, which I’d studied in college, into an action-adventure movie. The climate in Hollywood, however,...
- 11/20/2019
- by Jen Juneau
- PEOPLE.com
‘Harriet’ Writer Claims Studio Head Pitched Julia Roberts to Star: ‘No One Will Know the Difference’
Kasi Lemmons’ “Harriet” has proven to be a box office hit for Focus Features with $32 million and counting after opening in theaters November 1. The movie was decades in development, and it appears that before the project went into production there was at least one shocking casting suggestion. According to “Harriet” screenwriter and producer Gregory Allen Howard, a studio executive once pitched Julia Roberts to play the iconic abolitionist Harriet Tubman.
“I was told how one studio head said in a meeting, ‘This script is fantastic. Let’s get Julia Roberts to play Harriet Tubman,’” Allen said in a Focus Features interview published this month (via the Los Angeles Times). “When someone pointed out that Roberts couldn’t be Harriet, the executive responded, ‘It was so long ago. No one is going to know the difference.’”
The Julia Roberts-led “Harriet” pitch happened in 1994. Flash forward 25 years and the film has been...
“I was told how one studio head said in a meeting, ‘This script is fantastic. Let’s get Julia Roberts to play Harriet Tubman,’” Allen said in a Focus Features interview published this month (via the Los Angeles Times). “When someone pointed out that Roberts couldn’t be Harriet, the executive responded, ‘It was so long ago. No one is going to know the difference.’”
The Julia Roberts-led “Harriet” pitch happened in 1994. Flash forward 25 years and the film has been...
- 11/20/2019
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
The screenwriter of new biopic Harriet, starring Cynthia Erivo, has revealed an executive proposed Roberts to play the slave turned abolitionist
The producer of a new biopic of the celebrated abolitionist Harriet Tubman has said that Julia Roberts was originally tipped to star.
In an official publicity Q&a to promote Harriet, which is released this month, the film’s screenwriter and producer, Gregory Allen Howard, said that when the film was in its planning stages 25 years earlier, “the climate in Hollywood … was very different”.
The producer of a new biopic of the celebrated abolitionist Harriet Tubman has said that Julia Roberts was originally tipped to star.
In an official publicity Q&a to promote Harriet, which is released this month, the film’s screenwriter and producer, Gregory Allen Howard, said that when the film was in its planning stages 25 years earlier, “the climate in Hollywood … was very different”.
- 11/20/2019
- by Catherine Shoard
- The Guardian - Film News
Some crazy stories come out of Hollywood, but this one is truly unbelievable.
According to Harriet screenwriter and producer, Gregory Allen Howard, Julia Roberts was suggested by a studio executive to play abolitionist Harriet Tubman.
The Oscar-winning actress, who is white, looks nothing like Tubman, who was black. Still, the unnamed exec thought the casting made sense.
Howard shared the story in a Focus Features Q&a written up earlier this month, as well as in an essay published Tuesday by the Los Angeles Times. The writer-producer, who worked on the script for Harriet about 25 years, said the climate in Hollywood “was very different” in 1994 when the meeting took place.
“I was told how one studio head said in a meeting, ‘This script is fantastic. Let’s get Julia Roberts to play Harriet Tubman,’” he recalled. “When someone pointed out that Roberts couldn’t be Harriet, the executive responded, ‘It was so long ago.
According to Harriet screenwriter and producer, Gregory Allen Howard, Julia Roberts was suggested by a studio executive to play abolitionist Harriet Tubman.
The Oscar-winning actress, who is white, looks nothing like Tubman, who was black. Still, the unnamed exec thought the casting made sense.
Howard shared the story in a Focus Features Q&a written up earlier this month, as well as in an essay published Tuesday by the Los Angeles Times. The writer-producer, who worked on the script for Harriet about 25 years, said the climate in Hollywood “was very different” in 1994 when the meeting took place.
“I was told how one studio head said in a meeting, ‘This script is fantastic. Let’s get Julia Roberts to play Harriet Tubman,’” he recalled. “When someone pointed out that Roberts couldn’t be Harriet, the executive responded, ‘It was so long ago.
- 11/20/2019
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
Cynthia Erivo has received widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in Kasi Lemmons’ biopic “Harriet.” But according to the movie’s screenwriter Gregory Allen Howard, Julia Roberts — yes, that Julia Roberts — was once suggested by a studio executive to play the role.
In a Q&a for “Harriet” studio Focus Features as well as a piece for the L.A Times, Howard explained he had been working on the script for a Harriet Tubman biopic as far back as 25 years ago, but that “the climate in Hollywood…was very different back then.”
According to Howard, a “then-president of a studio sublabel” praised the script and then suggested Roberts play Tubman. “Fortunately, there was a single black person in that studio meeting 25 years ago who told him that Harriet Tubman was a black woman,” Howard wrote in the Times piece. “The president replied, ‘That was so long ago. No one will know that.
In a Q&a for “Harriet” studio Focus Features as well as a piece for the L.A Times, Howard explained he had been working on the script for a Harriet Tubman biopic as far back as 25 years ago, but that “the climate in Hollywood…was very different back then.”
According to Howard, a “then-president of a studio sublabel” praised the script and then suggested Roberts play Tubman. “Fortunately, there was a single black person in that studio meeting 25 years ago who told him that Harriet Tubman was a black woman,” Howard wrote in the Times piece. “The president replied, ‘That was so long ago. No one will know that.
- 11/20/2019
- by Erin Nyren
- Variety Film + TV
A Hollywood studio executive once suggested the idea of Julia Roberts playing the iconic abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman in a biopic, according to Harriet screenwriter Gregory Allen Howard.
In a recent interview that has gone viral on social media, Howard was asked about the production history of the long-gestating Tubman biopic, which became Harriet. The scribe said it was his first Hollywood assignment and that it had been in development for 26 years. "I wanted to turn Harriet Tubman's life, which I’d studied in college, into an action-adventure movie. The climate in Hollywood, however, was ...
In a recent interview that has gone viral on social media, Howard was asked about the production history of the long-gestating Tubman biopic, which became Harriet. The scribe said it was his first Hollywood assignment and that it had been in development for 26 years. "I wanted to turn Harriet Tubman's life, which I’d studied in college, into an action-adventure movie. The climate in Hollywood, however, was ...
- 11/20/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A Hollywood studio executive once suggested the idea of Julia Roberts playing the iconic abolitionist and activist Harriet Tubman in a biopic, according to Harriet screenwriter Gregory Allen Howard.
In a recent interview that has gone viral on social media, Howard was asked about the production history of the long-gestating Tubman biopic, which became Harriet. The scribe said it was his first Hollywood assignment and that it had been in development for 26 years. "I wanted to turn Harriet Tubman's life, which I’d studied in college, into an action-adventure movie. The climate in Hollywood, however, was ...
In a recent interview that has gone viral on social media, Howard was asked about the production history of the long-gestating Tubman biopic, which became Harriet. The scribe said it was his first Hollywood assignment and that it had been in development for 26 years. "I wanted to turn Harriet Tubman's life, which I’d studied in college, into an action-adventure movie. The climate in Hollywood, however, was ...
- 11/20/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
You know a biopic is gaining traction in the awards race when it’s hounded by claims of historical inaccuracies. Last year, films like “BlacKkKlansman,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “Green Book” came under fire for presenting distorted or incomplete depictions; this year, Focus Features’ “Harriet” runs the gauntlet. However, writer-director Kasi Lemmons isn’t having it: She firmly believes that it’s impossible to operate as both a first-rate screenwriter and a first-rate historian.
“Of course I embellished, I’m a screenwriter,” said Lemmons, who wrote the script with Gregory Allen Howard. “I added to the story because anybody that’s a writer that approaches a real story has to embellish.”
Since Tubman never learned to read or write, details about her life come largely from first- and second-hand accounts. Lemmons’ primary sources were Tubman biographies, including “Scenes in the Life of Harriet Tubman,” written in 1869 by Tubman’s abolitionist friend Sarah Bradford.
“Of course I embellished, I’m a screenwriter,” said Lemmons, who wrote the script with Gregory Allen Howard. “I added to the story because anybody that’s a writer that approaches a real story has to embellish.”
Since Tubman never learned to read or write, details about her life come largely from first- and second-hand accounts. Lemmons’ primary sources were Tubman biographies, including “Scenes in the Life of Harriet Tubman,” written in 1869 by Tubman’s abolitionist friend Sarah Bradford.
- 11/6/2019
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
Harriet Tubman is an essential part of American history. You don’t get put on currency (or at least was supposed to be placed on it) for no reason. So, a cinematic telling of her story has been a long time coming. However, a traditional biopic was not the way to go. Despite a committed lead performance from Cynthia Erivo and a talented filmmaker behind the camera in Kasi Lemmons, Harriet winds up feeling like a garden variety biopic, never able to distinguish itself. Formulaic and generic when it needed to vibrant, the flick struggles mightily to overcome cliches. Tubman deserved better, even if everyone’s hearts here are very much in the right place. The movie is a biopic of Harriet Tubman (Erivo). Before she was Harriet, she was Minty, a slave married to a free man in John (Zackary Momoh). In 1849, when and John are denied by plantation...
- 10/31/2019
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Cynthia Erivo captures the spirit of Underground Railroad freedom fighter Harriet Tubman with enough ferocity and feeling to set this biopic soaring. The passionate acting of this British dynamo — a Tony winner for The Color Purple on Broadway — comes in handy when the film itself threatens to trip on its own hard-sold uplift. Harriet surely doesn’t need to push the importance of Tubman’s story to the Civil Rights movement, though it does, disappointingly and often. Luckily, Erivo is always there to remind us what counts in this dramatization...
- 10/31/2019
- by Peter Travers
- Rollingstone.com
When Kasi Lemmons got the chance to direct the first feature-length biopic about Harriet Tubman, she faced a delicate challenge. “I really wanted to create a film that a sophisticated 10-year-old could see with his grandmother, which isn’t easy for a film that takes place during slavery,” she said. “And then I wanted to really be able to represent Harriet as accurately as I could, while still making an entertaining movie that would reach a broad audience.”
Tubman’s extraordinary tale has been iconic for generations: Her escape from slavery and ability to free hundreds of slaves forever changed the course of history. But Lemmons’ situation helps to explain why it took so long for Hollywood to finally recognize the life and accomplishments of a legendary American freedom fighter.
Since the 1978 Cicely Tyson miniseries “A Woman Called Moses,” film and TV projects on Tubman have been floating around. The...
Tubman’s extraordinary tale has been iconic for generations: Her escape from slavery and ability to free hundreds of slaves forever changed the course of history. But Lemmons’ situation helps to explain why it took so long for Hollywood to finally recognize the life and accomplishments of a legendary American freedom fighter.
Since the 1978 Cicely Tyson miniseries “A Woman Called Moses,” film and TV projects on Tubman have been floating around. The...
- 10/28/2019
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
In life as in art, there are people you root for to do good, to win that prize and get their due recognition. Kasi Lemmons is one of those people. After making the switch from actor to director, she burst onto the screen nearly two decades ago with a wildly unique vision, “Eve’s Bayou.”
Although critics raved and audiences attended, it did not ensure a flourishing filmmaking career the way it might have for a young white male director. Projects stalled or money never came through. She found work, but it’s the gap years on her IMDb profile that neither she nor her audiences will ever get back.
Lemmons’ “Harriet” should have been a heroic return to the world stage. Instead, it’s a disappointingly standard biopic, one whose technical flaws and paint-by-numbers clichés threaten to overshadow its subject’s compelling story.
Watch Video: Watch Cynthia Erivo as...
Although critics raved and audiences attended, it did not ensure a flourishing filmmaking career the way it might have for a young white male director. Projects stalled or money never came through. She found work, but it’s the gap years on her IMDb profile that neither she nor her audiences will ever get back.
Lemmons’ “Harriet” should have been a heroic return to the world stage. Instead, it’s a disappointingly standard biopic, one whose technical flaws and paint-by-numbers clichés threaten to overshadow its subject’s compelling story.
Watch Video: Watch Cynthia Erivo as...
- 9/11/2019
- by Monica Castillo
- The Wrap
In today’s film news roundup, the Austin Film Festival selects a Terrence Malick title, “A Day Without a Mexican” gets a sequel and Dcr Finance signs a first-look deal.
Festival Screening
The Austin Film Festival will screen Terrence Malick’s “A Hidden Life,” which won the Francois Chalais and Ecumenical Jury awards at the Cannes Film Festival.
Starring August Diehl and Valerie Pachner, the film follows the true story of an Austrian farmer who refused to yield to Nazi forces in World War II. Fox Searchlight will open “A Hidden Life” on Dec. 13.
The festival, which runs Oct. 24-31, is also screening the Harriet Tubman biopic “Harriet,” written by Kasi Lemmons and Gregory Allen Howard and starring Cynthia Erivo, Joe Alwyn, and Janelle Monáe. Aff will also screen “The Truth” from writer/director Hirokazu Koreeda, starring Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, and Ethan Hawke, and the world premiere of the documentary feature “Cowboys,...
Festival Screening
The Austin Film Festival will screen Terrence Malick’s “A Hidden Life,” which won the Francois Chalais and Ecumenical Jury awards at the Cannes Film Festival.
Starring August Diehl and Valerie Pachner, the film follows the true story of an Austrian farmer who refused to yield to Nazi forces in World War II. Fox Searchlight will open “A Hidden Life” on Dec. 13.
The festival, which runs Oct. 24-31, is also screening the Harriet Tubman biopic “Harriet,” written by Kasi Lemmons and Gregory Allen Howard and starring Cynthia Erivo, Joe Alwyn, and Janelle Monáe. Aff will also screen “The Truth” from writer/director Hirokazu Koreeda, starring Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, and Ethan Hawke, and the world premiere of the documentary feature “Cowboys,...
- 8/24/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The Austin Film Festival said Friday that Terrence Malick’s A Hidden Life, the Harriet Tubman biopic Harriet and Hirokazu Kore-eda’s The Truth will be in the lineup for the 26th annual fest, which is set for October 24-31.
The first wave of films also includes the world premieres of the documentary Cowboys, written and directed by Austin natives John Langmore and Bud Force; The Animal People, from executive producer Joaquin Phoenix; The Vice Guide to Bigfoot; and the Texas crime thriller Sleeping in Plastic, from writer-director Van Ditthavong.
Also set for the fest is Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Oh My God I Think It’s Over, a documentary that follows the making of the show’s series-finale episode which aired in April. Rachel Bloom, Aline Brosh McKenna and director Katie Hyde will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&a.
Here’s the first round of films set for the lineup,...
The first wave of films also includes the world premieres of the documentary Cowboys, written and directed by Austin natives John Langmore and Bud Force; The Animal People, from executive producer Joaquin Phoenix; The Vice Guide to Bigfoot; and the Texas crime thriller Sleeping in Plastic, from writer-director Van Ditthavong.
Also set for the fest is Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Oh My God I Think It’s Over, a documentary that follows the making of the show’s series-finale episode which aired in April. Rachel Bloom, Aline Brosh McKenna and director Katie Hyde will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&a.
Here’s the first round of films set for the lineup,...
- 8/23/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Frontrunners are already forming for the original screenplay race, according to early combined predictions at Gold Derby. While most films in contention have not yet been released, enough teaser trailers are out there, ranging from “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” and “The Irishman” to “Little Women” and “Ford v Ferrari” to provide some sense of what at least feels like a worthy contender. We’ve confirmed category placements with studios or campaigners, but — as awards season veterans know — such labels can change later. And once the fall film fests commence, the standings will likely rapidly shift.
Here are the current top 10 adapted screenplay picks on the Gold Derby site, in order, as of Aug. 20:
1. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”: Quentin Tarantino‘s ode to hippie-era Tinseltown has many of his big-screen trademarks, from bare female feet and rambling speeches to spot-on vintage music cues and over-the-top violence.
Here are the current top 10 adapted screenplay picks on the Gold Derby site, in order, as of Aug. 20:
1. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”: Quentin Tarantino‘s ode to hippie-era Tinseltown has many of his big-screen trademarks, from bare female feet and rambling speeches to spot-on vintage music cues and over-the-top violence.
- 8/22/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
Tony Sokol Jul 26, 2019
The first Harriet trailer has arrived. Cynthia Erivo aims for the Egot by portraying iconic American freedom fighter Harriet Tubman.
"Welcome to the Underground Railroad," Harriet Tubman is told in the first Harriet trailer. The film stars Cynthia Erivo in the title role, and puts her in Egot territory. She won Tony, Emmy and Grammy awards for her work on Broadway's The Color Purple.
"Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes," reads the official synopsis. "Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history."
Harriet was directed by Kasi Lemmons, who co-wrote the screenplay with Gregory Allen Howard. It also stars Leslie Odom Jr. (Murder On the Orient Express) as William Still, and Janelle Monáe...
The first Harriet trailer has arrived. Cynthia Erivo aims for the Egot by portraying iconic American freedom fighter Harriet Tubman.
"Welcome to the Underground Railroad," Harriet Tubman is told in the first Harriet trailer. The film stars Cynthia Erivo in the title role, and puts her in Egot territory. She won Tony, Emmy and Grammy awards for her work on Broadway's The Color Purple.
"Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes," reads the official synopsis. "Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history."
Harriet was directed by Kasi Lemmons, who co-wrote the screenplay with Gregory Allen Howard. It also stars Leslie Odom Jr. (Murder On the Orient Express) as William Still, and Janelle Monáe...
- 7/26/2019
- Den of Geek
The trailer for Kasi Lemmons’ new film Harriet has been released by Focus Features. (You can check it out above!) The film stars Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom Jr. and is scheduled to be in theaters on November 1, 2019.
Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.
The film was written by Gregory Allen Howard and Lemmons.
Genre: Biography, Drama, History Director: Kasi Lemmons Writers: Gregory Allen Howard and Kasi Lemmons Producers: Debra Martin Chase, Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Gregory Allen Howard Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles, Clarke Peters
Focus Features will release Harriet in theaters November 1, 2019!
For More Information, Please Visit:
Official Site...
Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.
The film was written by Gregory Allen Howard and Lemmons.
Genre: Biography, Drama, History Director: Kasi Lemmons Writers: Gregory Allen Howard and Kasi Lemmons Producers: Debra Martin Chase, Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Gregory Allen Howard Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles, Clarke Peters
Focus Features will release Harriet in theaters November 1, 2019!
For More Information, Please Visit:
Official Site...
- 7/25/2019
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo is taking on her biggest role yet: abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who freed slaves along the Underground Railroad.
In the upcoming biopic Harriet, Erivo, 32, stars as Tubman in the story of her early years of abolitionist work. The trailer, released Tuesday, shows her initial escape from slavery, and her decision to help members of her family to freedom, which started her involvement with the Underground Railroad. Tubman eventually freed 70 slaves over 11 years.
“I don’t think she set out to be a superhero,” Broadway star Erivo told People of Tubman in February. “I think she just...
In the upcoming biopic Harriet, Erivo, 32, stars as Tubman in the story of her early years of abolitionist work. The trailer, released Tuesday, shows her initial escape from slavery, and her decision to help members of her family to freedom, which started her involvement with the Underground Railroad. Tubman eventually freed 70 slaves over 11 years.
“I don’t think she set out to be a superhero,” Broadway star Erivo told People of Tubman in February. “I think she just...
- 7/23/2019
- by Justin Curto
- PEOPLE.com
In the new heart-racing trailer for Harriet, Cynthia Erivo plays Harriet Tubman as she makes her harrowing escape north, then returns south to lead scores of slaves to freedom.
Directed by Kasi Lemmons, who co-wrote the script with Gregory Allen Howard, the biopic’s preview opens as Tubman flees from her would-be captors, who eventually surround her. “I’m gonna be free or die,” she defiantly says before jumping from a bridge into the water to narrowly escape.
While Tubman’s 100-mile journey north by herself was remarkable, those were...
Directed by Kasi Lemmons, who co-wrote the script with Gregory Allen Howard, the biopic’s preview opens as Tubman flees from her would-be captors, who eventually surround her. “I’m gonna be free or die,” she defiantly says before jumping from a bridge into the water to narrowly escape.
While Tubman’s 100-mile journey north by herself was remarkable, those were...
- 7/23/2019
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
After conquering Broadway and breaking out on the big screen in Steve McQueen’s “Widows,” Cynthia Erivo is ready to break free in her new film “Harriet” as the Underground Railroad pioneer Harriet Tubman.
Erivo stars as Tubman in the new historical drama that Focus Features is releasing later this fall. The movie tells the story of the iconic freedom fighter and follows her both on her escape from slavery and during her subsequent missions to free dozens of slaves in the South during a time of extreme adversity ahead of the Civil War.
“I’ll be free or die,” she says before jumping off a bridge into a stream to avoid capture. “If I’m free my family should be too. I made up my mind, I’m going back.”
Also Read: 'Underground' Star Aisha Hinds Says Harriet Tubman Episode Caused 'Anxiety' (Exclusive Video)
The trailer almost has an action-thriller feel,...
Erivo stars as Tubman in the new historical drama that Focus Features is releasing later this fall. The movie tells the story of the iconic freedom fighter and follows her both on her escape from slavery and during her subsequent missions to free dozens of slaves in the South during a time of extreme adversity ahead of the Civil War.
“I’ll be free or die,” she says before jumping off a bridge into a stream to avoid capture. “If I’m free my family should be too. I made up my mind, I’m going back.”
Also Read: 'Underground' Star Aisha Hinds Says Harriet Tubman Episode Caused 'Anxiety' (Exclusive Video)
The trailer almost has an action-thriller feel,...
- 7/23/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.
The film stars Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles, Clarke Peters.
Directed by Kasi Lemmons and written by Gregory Allen Howard and Kasi Lemmons, watch the powerful first trailer now.
Focus Features will release Harriet in theaters November 1, 2019
Visit the official site:
https://www.focusfeatures.com/harriet
Credit: Glen Wilson / Focus Features Credit: Glen Wilson / Focus Features
The post Cynthia Erivo Is Harriet Tubman In First Trailer For Harriet From Focus Features appeared first on We Are Movie Geeks.
The film stars Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles, Clarke Peters.
Directed by Kasi Lemmons and written by Gregory Allen Howard and Kasi Lemmons, watch the powerful first trailer now.
Focus Features will release Harriet in theaters November 1, 2019
Visit the official site:
https://www.focusfeatures.com/harriet
Credit: Glen Wilson / Focus Features Credit: Glen Wilson / Focus Features
The post Cynthia Erivo Is Harriet Tubman In First Trailer For Harriet From Focus Features appeared first on We Are Movie Geeks.
- 7/23/2019
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Based on the life of abolitionist Harriet Tubman, “Harriet” showcases the heroism of the freedom fighter as she helped save slaves via the Underground Railway.
Read More: Summer Movie Preview: 35 Films You Shouldn’t Miss
The film, which is directed by Kasi Lemmons (“Eve’s Bayou” and “Talk To Me”) and co-written with Gregory Allen Howard (“Remember the Titans”), showcases the life of Tubman as she not only escaped slavery, but also help end it.
Continue reading ‘Harriet’ Trailer: Kasi Lemmons’ Biopic On The Life of Harriet Tubman at The Playlist.
Read More: Summer Movie Preview: 35 Films You Shouldn’t Miss
The film, which is directed by Kasi Lemmons (“Eve’s Bayou” and “Talk To Me”) and co-written with Gregory Allen Howard (“Remember the Titans”), showcases the life of Tubman as she not only escaped slavery, but also help end it.
Continue reading ‘Harriet’ Trailer: Kasi Lemmons’ Biopic On The Life of Harriet Tubman at The Playlist.
- 7/23/2019
- by Harry Frazer
- The Playlist
Although she was celebrated on stage, Cynthia Erivo finally made a major splash on the big screen last fall with Widows and stealing the show in the underseen Bad Times at the El Royale. This year, she returns with a major lead performance as Harriet Tubman in the aptly named Harriet, the trailer for which has now arrived.
Directed and co-written by Kasi Lemmons with Gregory Allen Howard the biopic includes an impressive supporting cast, featuring Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles, and Clarke Peters. Set for a November release, we’ll imagine Focus Features will bring this one to the fall festival circuit.
See the trailer below.
Based on the story of iconic freedom fighter Harriet Tubman, Harriet follows Tubman on her escape from slavery and subsequent missions to free dozens of slaves through the Underground Railroad in the face of growing pre-Civil War adversity.
Harriet...
Directed and co-written by Kasi Lemmons with Gregory Allen Howard the biopic includes an impressive supporting cast, featuring Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles, and Clarke Peters. Set for a November release, we’ll imagine Focus Features will bring this one to the fall festival circuit.
See the trailer below.
Based on the story of iconic freedom fighter Harriet Tubman, Harriet follows Tubman on her escape from slavery and subsequent missions to free dozens of slaves through the Underground Railroad in the face of growing pre-Civil War adversity.
Harriet...
- 7/23/2019
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
It wouldn’t be awards season without an Oscar hopeful from Focus Features, and this year the specialty arm of Universal looks to have a big one with “Harriet.” From “Eve’s Bayou” director Kasi Lemmons, “Harriet” is a biographical drama that tells the story of the abolitionist icon Harriet Tubman. Born into slavery, Tubman breaks free and embarks on a mission to help slaves escape North using the Underground Railroad.
“Harriet” stars rising Hollywood star Cynthia Erivo in the title role. Erivo is best known to theater-goers for her breakout work on Broadway, including winning a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2016 for her acclaimed run as Celie in the revival of “The Color Purple.” Last fall, the actress broke big at the movies with supporting turns in Drew Goddard’s “Bad Times at the El Royale” and Steve McQueen’s “Widows.” “Harriet” marks Erivo’s debut as a leading star.
“Harriet” stars rising Hollywood star Cynthia Erivo in the title role. Erivo is best known to theater-goers for her breakout work on Broadway, including winning a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2016 for her acclaimed run as Celie in the revival of “The Color Purple.” Last fall, the actress broke big at the movies with supporting turns in Drew Goddard’s “Bad Times at the El Royale” and Steve McQueen’s “Widows.” “Harriet” marks Erivo’s debut as a leading star.
- 7/23/2019
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Focus Features released the first trailer for Harriet on Tuesday.
Cynthia Erivo stars as Harriet Tubman in the biopic, which tells the extraordinary tale of Tubman's escape from slavery and rise to become one of America's greatest heroes as she helps free hundreds of slaves.
Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles and Clarke Peters also star in the film, while Kasi Lemmons directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Gregory Allen Howard.
The trailer opens with Tubman frantically running away from her slave owner. When she crosses paths with a man on a bridge, she chooses ...
Cynthia Erivo stars as Harriet Tubman in the biopic, which tells the extraordinary tale of Tubman's escape from slavery and rise to become one of America's greatest heroes as she helps free hundreds of slaves.
Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles and Clarke Peters also star in the film, while Kasi Lemmons directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Gregory Allen Howard.
The trailer opens with Tubman frantically running away from her slave owner. When she crosses paths with a man on a bridge, she chooses ...
- 7/23/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Focus Features released the first trailer for Harriet on Tuesday.
Cynthia Erivo stars as Harriet Tubman in the biopic, which tells the extraordinary tale of Tubman's escape from slavery and rise to become one of America's greatest heroes as she helps free hundreds of slaves.
Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles and Clarke Peters also star in the film, while Kasi Lemmons directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Gregory Allen Howard.
The trailer opens with Tubman frantically running away from her slave owner. When she crosses paths with a man on a bridge, she chooses ...
Cynthia Erivo stars as Harriet Tubman in the biopic, which tells the extraordinary tale of Tubman's escape from slavery and rise to become one of America's greatest heroes as she helps free hundreds of slaves.
Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles and Clarke Peters also star in the film, while Kasi Lemmons directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Gregory Allen Howard.
The trailer opens with Tubman frantically running away from her slave owner. When she crosses paths with a man on a bridge, she chooses ...
- 7/23/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Sterling K. Brown is cast as a basketball coach, Kino Lorber hires a programming veteran and Imagine promotes Karen Lunder.
Casting
Sterling K. Brown will play the lead role of Coach Willie Davis in inspirational sports drama “Rise” for Sony’s faith-based Affirm Films, Crystal City Entertainment and Gulfstream Pictures.
Kevin Rodney Sullivan will start filming in May in Louisiana with a wide theatrical release on April 10, 2020. The script was written by Randy Brown and Gregory Allen Howard.
Davis, a junior high school janitor, seized the opportunity to head coach the school’s basketball team as the school was weighing the decision to cancel the program due to funding concerns. Davis stressed “The Lord, books and basketball” to the team and became a role model for many of the kids in the school and surrounding community.
Producers are Ari Pinchot, Stuart Avi Savitsky, Mike Karz and Bill Bindley.
Casting
Sterling K. Brown will play the lead role of Coach Willie Davis in inspirational sports drama “Rise” for Sony’s faith-based Affirm Films, Crystal City Entertainment and Gulfstream Pictures.
Kevin Rodney Sullivan will start filming in May in Louisiana with a wide theatrical release on April 10, 2020. The script was written by Randy Brown and Gregory Allen Howard.
Davis, a junior high school janitor, seized the opportunity to head coach the school’s basketball team as the school was weighing the decision to cancel the program due to funding concerns. Davis stressed “The Lord, books and basketball” to the team and became a role model for many of the kids in the school and surrounding community.
Producers are Ari Pinchot, Stuart Avi Savitsky, Mike Karz and Bill Bindley.
- 4/5/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Emmy winning This Is Us star Sterling K. Brown has been tapped to star in Rise, an inspirational sports drama based on a true story. He’ll take on the role of Coach Willie Davis, a junior high janitor-turned coach who made an impact on the lives of those around them in extraordinary ways. The pic is set up at Affirm Films, a Sony Pictures Entertainment company, in partnership with Crystal City Entertainment and Gulfstream Pictures.
How Stella Got Her Groove Back helmer Kevin Rodney Sullivan is directing the film from a screenplay by Randy Brown and Gregory Allen Howard. Ari Pinchot, Stuart Avi Savitsky, Mike Karz, and Bill Bindley are producing the pic which is slated for release April 10, 2020.
Davis took on the role as head coach for the school’s lackluster basketball team when it was in danger of being cut because of funding concerns. Coach Davis, from the very beginning,...
How Stella Got Her Groove Back helmer Kevin Rodney Sullivan is directing the film from a screenplay by Randy Brown and Gregory Allen Howard. Ari Pinchot, Stuart Avi Savitsky, Mike Karz, and Bill Bindley are producing the pic which is slated for release April 10, 2020.
Davis took on the role as head coach for the school’s lackluster basketball team when it was in danger of being cut because of funding concerns. Coach Davis, from the very beginning,...
- 4/4/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The first images from the upcoming film Harriet have just been released, check them out below.
Based on the story of iconic freedom fighter Harriet Tubman, Harriet follows Tubman on her escape from slavery and subsequent missions to free dozens of slaves through the Underground Railroad in the face of growing pre-Civil War adversity.
Genre: Biography, Drama, History Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles, Clarke Peters Director: Kasi Lemmons Writers: Gregory Allen Howard and Kasi Lemmons Producers: Debra Martin Chase, Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Gregory Allen Howard
Harriet is in theaters in 2019!
For more information, visit: FocusFeatures...
Based on the story of iconic freedom fighter Harriet Tubman, Harriet follows Tubman on her escape from slavery and subsequent missions to free dozens of slaves through the Underground Railroad in the face of growing pre-Civil War adversity.
Genre: Biography, Drama, History Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles, Clarke Peters Director: Kasi Lemmons Writers: Gregory Allen Howard and Kasi Lemmons Producers: Debra Martin Chase, Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Gregory Allen Howard
Harriet is in theaters in 2019!
For more information, visit: FocusFeatures...
- 2/11/2019
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
Exclusive: In the wake of pop R&B and Hidden Figures star Janelle Monae boarding Focus Features’ Harriet Tubman biopic Harriet earlier this week, four more actors have joined the Kasi Lemmons-directed pic including Queen Sugar‘s Omar J. Dorsey, Colony‘s Tory Kittles, Ben Is Back‘s Tim Guinee and Antonio J. Bell who stars in At&T’s Nigerian Prince.
The actors’ roles are being kept under wraps though we’ve learned that Bell will be playing Tubman’s brother Harry who lives and works on the Brodess plantation.
Dorsey, who can be seen this month in Universal/Blumhouse/Miramax’s Halloween, and recently starred in Netflix’s Central Park Five, is repped by Innovative Artists, Aligned Entertainment, and Stone, Genow, Smelkinson, Binder & Christopher. Kittles, whose credits also include Detective Thomas Papania on HBO’s True Detective and Laroy Wayne on FX’s Sons of Anarchy, is represented by Apa,...
The actors’ roles are being kept under wraps though we’ve learned that Bell will be playing Tubman’s brother Harry who lives and works on the Brodess plantation.
Dorsey, who can be seen this month in Universal/Blumhouse/Miramax’s Halloween, and recently starred in Netflix’s Central Park Five, is repped by Innovative Artists, Aligned Entertainment, and Stone, Genow, Smelkinson, Binder & Christopher. Kittles, whose credits also include Detective Thomas Papania on HBO’s True Detective and Laroy Wayne on FX’s Sons of Anarchy, is represented by Apa,...
- 10/4/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Tony Sokol Oct 2, 2018
Janelle Monáe Joins Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman in upcoming biopic Harriet.
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer," said former slave Harriet Tubman, responsible for releasing the shackles of generations of slaves. Focus Features’ upcoming feature biopic Harriet, which will chronicle the life of the heroic abolitionist, added Janelle Monáe to the cast. The film stars Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-winner Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman.
Harriet is being directed by Kasi Lemmons off a screenplay she co-wrote with Gregory Allen Howard. This will be Lemmons’ first directorial feature since Black Nativity in 2013.
Harriet follows Tubman, who was born into slavery, escaped in 1849 and helped free dozens of slaves through the Underground Railroad before the pre-Civil War period. Tubman served as a spy for the Union Army during the war. She campaigned for women’s suffrage after the Civil War ended.
Monáe joins Tony and Grammy Award-winner Leslie Odom Jr.,...
Janelle Monáe Joins Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman in upcoming biopic Harriet.
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer," said former slave Harriet Tubman, responsible for releasing the shackles of generations of slaves. Focus Features’ upcoming feature biopic Harriet, which will chronicle the life of the heroic abolitionist, added Janelle Monáe to the cast. The film stars Tony, Emmy and Grammy Award-winner Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman.
Harriet is being directed by Kasi Lemmons off a screenplay she co-wrote with Gregory Allen Howard. This will be Lemmons’ first directorial feature since Black Nativity in 2013.
Harriet follows Tubman, who was born into slavery, escaped in 1849 and helped free dozens of slaves through the Underground Railroad before the pre-Civil War period. Tubman served as a spy for the Union Army during the war. She campaigned for women’s suffrage after the Civil War ended.
Monáe joins Tony and Grammy Award-winner Leslie Odom Jr.,...
- 10/2/2018
- Den of Geek
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