October 6th 2023.
Chris Rock is embarking on a new project as he has been tapped to direct a Universal-backed biopic on the late civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. Negotiations are underway for the film, which will be based on Jonathan Eig's biography, "King: A Life". Rock will direct and produce this feature film alongside executive producer Steven Spielberg, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Eig's book was released in May and was nominated for a National Book Award. It delves into the unearthed information the FBI had on King, and is described by its publisher, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, as an "intimate portrayal of King as a courageous but emotionally troubled individual who demanded peaceful protest while grappling with his frailties and a government that hunted him."
This will be Rock's first directing gig in 10 years since his 2014 film "Top Five". He also directed his 2003 film "Head of State" and 2007's "I Think I Love My Wife", which were all on the comedic side. Rock will have a chance to showcase his directing prowess in the King biopic.
However, the news has been met with criticism from some who feel skeptical about Rock being tapped to direct a movie about such an influential and historic figure. When Discussing Film announced the news on Thursday, October 5, many people expressed their doubts. One user wrote, "Lord, MLK gonna be a Civil Rights Comedian smh", while another commented, "A comedian directing a biopic of a serious figure dealing with serious issues. Chris Rock is funny, and I like his work, but this is a mockery."
Rock is also set to appear in George C. Wolfe's civil rights biopic "Rustin". In March, he made headlines with his Netflix comedy special "Selective Outrage" where he spoke about the infamous Oscars slap of 2022.
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