THE MOUNTAINTOP Considering Recasting — Page 2

K-Fed and Tyra Banks?

Eddie Murphy and Eddie Murphy in a wig and fat suit, Norbit-style.

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Tracy Morgan and Gabourey Sidibe?

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What a sad, sad thread this is--only serves to highlight the dearth of bankable black male actors, which is definitely not due to lack of talent.

Jackson and Bassett are far too old to be playing these roles anyway--MLK died before reaching 40 (Jackson is nearing 70), and Bassett's character is supposed to be in her 20's. Suggesting people like Denzel and James Earl Jones is ludicrous--both men are far too old.

I think the best choice would be JEFFREY WRIGHT if they were to recast--he's around the right age and has the chops to pull it off (not to mention he's played MLK on film before).

Another interesting choice would be British actor CHIWETEL EJIOFOR, who is only a few years younger than King was when he died.

I'd pay to see either of these actors tackle this role with the expertise and vigor that each brings to their work.

As far as Bassett's role, there are TONS of actresses that are the CORRECT age that could do this role (Anika Noni Rose, while an interesting choice, is, again, too old)...but very few of them have marquee value. Producers would probably just try to get Beyonce or Rihanna anyway--acting talent be damned.

EDIT: JOHN EARL JELKS, who is lesser-known but a great actor, would be an interesting choice for King, as would HARRY LENNOX. Both actors did great work in August Wilson's "Radio Golf". Again, both actors are near the correct age.

Updated On: 11/5/11 at 03:35 PM

^^^I overshot his age...but my point still stands :)

Also, none of the actors I suggest (including Lennox or Jelks) looks like King. I don't think the actors really need to resemble King as long as they capture his essence.

And as I've said before, Wright has played King on film before, so SOMEbody thinks there's a resemblance.

All I was saying is that Jackson--and other proposals such as JE Jones and D. Washington--is too old.

Updated On: 11/5/11 at 03:40 PM

I guess color-blind casting is out of the question?

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Carl and Laura Winslow?

Updated On: 11/6/11 at 12:19 AM

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon?

Michael Winslow and Marion Ramsey?

Marlon Wayans and CCH Pounder?

Andre Leon Talley and Miss J?

Jordan! Take a Ritalin! ,-)

Blactor you're absolutely right. Many casting choices would have been much better and probably garnered better reviews.
As far as Rose, she's definitely too old as is Bassett. I think Journee Smollet would have killed this role. And Jeffrey Wright has acting chops like no other and has already convincingly played King.
This was nothing but a moneymaking venture, unconcerned with integrity.

But just for fun, Shaquille O'Neal & Hoopz!

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