John Boyega and Danielle Deadwyler Tapped as Leads in Upcoming Otis Redding Biopic
John Boyega and Danielle Deadwyler are the stars of Otis and Zelma, a biopic about the life, career and love story of Otis Redding. We discuss it here!
John Boyega attends the GQ Men Of The Year Awards 2022 at The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London, England November 16, 2022.
Danielle Deadwyler arrives for the BAFTA Tea Party on January 14, 2023 in Beverly Hills, CA.
Photo Credit: Fred Duval/DFree
By: Joshua Martin
The Star Wars actor is channeling a new kind of star power as Otis Redding alongside Till actress, Deadwyler, in the upcoming biopic. Written and directed by acclaimed playwright, screenwriter and actor Donnetta Lavinia, this on-screen portrayal of the legendary musician’s career and the intricacies of he and his wife’s relationship has the full support of Zelma Redding and the Otis Redding estate. “Otis and Zelma” is the title of the film and will be directed by Channing Godfrey People and produced by Fifth Season, Homegrown Pictures and Kinfolk Management + Media.
All of this news comes ahead of Redding’s posthumous induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame this Friday (Oct. 4th). Redding’s daughter, Karla Redding, will accept the star on behalf of her late father and Killer Mike will deliver a speech at the event. Ana Martinez, Producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies, shared her thoughts on Redding’s star dedication.
“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is honored to dedicate a star to the legendary Otis Redding, whose music continues to inspire generations.”
According to reports, an early synopsis of the film “celebrates the 10 short years Otis and Zelma had together, and their eternal love story after his passing. Zelma’s resilience and determination to preserve his musical legacy for the last 56 years fuels her, just as much as Otis’ love for Zelma fueled him.”
At just the age of 26 years old, Otis Redding died tragically in a 1967 plane crash. Leaving behind his wife and three young children. The Georgia legend’s solo career earned him two Grammy awards, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Black Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
“He left so much special music for everybody. But I really have to commend my family and myself to continue this legacy because you cannot have a legacy if you don’t work it. We have everything we need for Otis Redding and that’s why we work so hard to preserve and protect his legacy. We wouldn’t know any way to do it without it.”
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John Boyega Speaks Out On Racism Regarding Death Of George Floyd
Actor John Boyega took to twitter to deliver a message denouncing racism in response to the death of George Floyd.
By: Omar Cook
Actor John Boyega took to to twitter to speak out saying “I fucking hate racists” in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of the police.
Boyega was met with a variety of mixed responses including an outpour of support but also people seemed to be uoset by what he said. Interesting, aren’t we all supposed to hate racists? It seems not as white people in the comments seemed to be upset as if he was wrong for speaking on the situation. Whenever Black people speak on deaths of Black people at the hands of officers, white people love to bring up the issue of black on black crime. Sorry, but there’s no correlation.
At a time where race relations are blurred right now due to recent events that have been going on, it is a must that Black people with a platform such as athletes or entertainers use their voices to make a stand. John Boyega took to instagram live to further further clarify his position and what he said.
John Boyega put his whole career on the line for the culture. We salute you💪🏾🤟🏾🔌 pic.twitter.com/t5YoW69KaK
— Papi Pluto (@Realist__Ty) May 27, 2020
This is not the time to point at Black on Black crime or any variations of crime that there might be. The major issue that has been prevalent is how Black people are treated by law enforcement and how white people are interacting with Blacks on a daily basis. It’s time for change. It’s sad that Black people still have to point out why the phrase “All Lives Matter” is demeaning and completely disregards what “Black Lives Matter” means.
To everyone that is coming together to speak on the changes that are needed, continue to be the light that is needed in the world. It’s time for a major change.
Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com