In film news, the director of The Help is in talks to direct a James Brown biopic and hip hop star David Banner has been added to the cast of Lee Daniels’s upcoming film.

According to Hip Hop DX,  the cast of The Butler, which is currently filming in New Orleans, has been joined by the rapper/producer. Banner will play Earl Gaines, the father of Forest Whitaker’s character Cecil Gaines. Mariah Carey will play Banner’s wife.

“I’m really excited to be a part of this movie,” Banner stated. “The cast is absolutely astonishing and working with Mariah has been great.”

The Daniels-directed film, starring Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, John Cusack and a host of other actors, follows the life of A White House butler who served eight presidents.

 
Speaking of films about housekeepers, Tate Taylor, who helmed The Help, is in negotiations to direct the untitled biopic of James Brown. Rock and roll icon Mick Jagger will join Brian Grazer as producer.

The story will center on a young boy’s rise from extreme poverty and violence in Georgia to become an innovator of American music and one of the most influential black artists in history. Before Brown died in 2006, he was involved with Grazer on the early stages of the project.

 
Brown’s family continues to be an integral part of the production.

 
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