Negotiations have begun with Forest Whitaker to take the lead role in upcoming biopic THE BUTLER. Based on the story by Lee Daniels it follows the life of Eugene Allen, a black pantry man turned butler working in the White House.
During the 34 years he worked in the White House Allen served eight presidents and witnessed history in the making, from the assignations of historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr and John F Kennedy to the civil rights movement.
Whitmaker joins a long list of names also rumoured to be in talks, including Oprah Winfrey who may take the role of the butler’s wife. Should she join, it would be the chat show host’s first full acting job since BELOVED in 1998.
Other names linked with the movie include; Mila Kunis, Hugh Jackman, Liam Neeson, John Cusack and David Oyelowo.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
