ShortList is supported by you, our amazing readers. When you click through the links on our site and make a purchase we may earn a commission. Learn more

Forest Whitaker To Play Martin Luther King

Forest Whitaker To Play Martin Luther King

Forest Whitaker To Play Martin Luther King

Idi Amin to Martin Luther King is quite a jump, but if anyone can do it, Forest Whitaker can.

The actor, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of the Ugandan dictator in The Last King of Scotland, is in talks to play the civil rights activist in the forthcoming biopic Memphis.

The film has been written by Paul Greengrass (United 93), who will also direct, while Scott Rudin will produce. It will follow King in the days leading up to his final protest march in Memphis, Tennesse, where he was assassinated.

Memphis is one of two biopics in production, with the other "official" movie being made by Dreamworks with the assistance of King's family.

Greengrass' biopic is likely to be the more uncompromising of the two, with plans to incorporate some of King's difficult personal life together with the trials and tribulations of his campaign; accordingly it is already being tipped as a potential Oscar winner.

(Image: Rex Features)