Usher To Portray James Brown In Godfather Biopic?
The Godfather of Soul hasn’t even been buried yet, but the James Brown legacy machine is already in full frenzy. Not only has Spike Lee already been signed on to direct said Godfather’s biopic, Usher has reportedly shown interest in starring as Brown.
Despite Ush’s hit run in the Broadway musical Chicago, we don’t think Lee would allow the sexy crooner to play anything more than a young Brown (our vote’s for a seasoned film actor like Eddie Murphy). However, there’s no denying the bond forged between Ush and Brown.
After all, Brown dubbed him “The Godson Of Soul” after the two did a duet performance at the 2005 Grammys.
“It couldn’t have been more of a pleasure to be recognized by James Brown,” Ush said. “James Brown introduced me to soul. Because of him I was given a clear view of what a real performance is and should be. I learned showmanship from him.”
Recalling how Brown showed up on time for the Grammy rehearsal, something, according to Ush, newschool performers rarely do, the 28 year-old entertainer said “Mr. Brown was in a class by himself.”
“Man, when he called me the ‘Godson of Soul,’ I damn near fell out backstage,” he continued. “Truth be told, I was so excited while on stage that I didn’t even know that he gave me that name. It wasn’t until I was backstage in my dressing room and someone from my staff told me he named me that. Then I actually saw a replay of the awards show.”
The last time the “father” and “son” saw each other was at the latter’s benefit concert for families affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita back in October 2005.
“The last time we spoke was at my Project Restart event at the Phillips Arena in Atlanta,” Usher says. “He was so happy to be a part of my Gulf Coast relief project. His support showed me so much about his character. James Brown was a giver. James Brown earned his name as the hardest working man in show business. ‘Mr. Dynamite.’ ‘The Godfather of Soul.’ I will miss him.”
Comment by Anoynomous
I think Usher would be the perfect role for this movie! Although he doesn’t have much acting experience, I have a feeling this movie will be a hit. I really don’t think there would be a better person to play James, I mean, James did call Usher the “Godson of Soul”. I didn’t hear him say it to anyone else, hm?
Comment by wess23
I think eddy should play as JAMES BROWN..eddy already played a james on snl and look at eddy on dreamgirls
Comment by shirley valentine
Usher is a super star and I feel he can do anything he puts his mind to do. I would love to see Usher play Marvin Gaye. Usher is the hardest working man in music today and it shows in everything he does.
Comment by Angela S
I think Usher will be a good young James Brown, he has all the moves to pull it off. I was disappointed that he did not make it to the Godfather’s funeral but I know he thought of him on that day.
Comment by rhokels
I think omarion should play young james brown…he can “cry” and “croon” and do james brown’s adlibs better than usher and he can “serve” usher on those james brown moves…eddie murphy can play an older less liber (if you will) james brown..sorry folks…
Comment by rhokels
think omarion should play young james brown…he can “cry†and “croon†and do james brown’s adlibs better than usher and he can “serve†usher on those james brown moves…eddie murphy can play an older less limber(to correct liber-last quote)and acrobatic version of james brown..sorry folks
Comment by Cal Mateo
To many well known actors get big parts portraying musical or sport legends. In my eyes, things go over, BETTER with an unknown or someone whom might be popular to some but who has never had a major leading role. I believe Terrence Howard would be a fantastic choice for the role of James Brown!
Comment by AJ
I’m a big Usher fan, and he is so majorly hot BUT… I have to say that he is NOT qualified to be compared in any way with a legendary talent such as James Brown.
Often imitated but never duplicated. The only person that comes close is the guy James Brown himself endorsed and promoted as the Official “Young James Brown” go to you tube and check him out. He’s amazing and made JB proud.
To me, he looks like him, sounds and even acts like him. This would be the best Casting call for his movie.