Deadline is reporting that Paramount Pictures has secured the rights to ‘Yes I Can: The Story of Sammy Davis, Jr’ and plan a biopic based on the life of the film and music star. Davis Jr. co-wrote the 1965 memoir with Jane and Burt Boyar and now the studio is on the hunt for a writer and director to tackle the project. It’s said to be a ‘fast track’ project for the studio and producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura and one Lionel Richie.
“I cannot tell you how excited I am about the signing of the Sammy Davis Jr. project with Paramount,” said Richie to the trade. “I knew and loved Sammy dearly.”
Davis Jr. passed away in 1990 at the age of just 64. The film will follow his journey from Vaudeville all the way through to his big break in the short film Sweet and Low in 1947, as well as his chance meeting with Frank Sinatra with whom he would unite with and become part of the famous ‘Rat Pack’.
More news as it comes our way.
