Forest Whitaker is currently working out a deal to play the lead role in the upcoming movie The Butler. The film is a story of Eugene Allen, a black butler who worked at the White House from 1952 to 1986, serving under eight presidents.
The film is based on an article written about Eugene’s life story by Wil Haygood. The butler started working at the White House at a time when black people were still discriminated against.
Oprah Winfrey was also offered a part in the movie. The actress/mogul would play Allen’s wife. David Oyelowo is in talks to play the butler’s son. Other actors who have been considered for roles are Hugh Jackman, Mila Kunis and John Cusack. Kunis would portray Jackie Kennedy and Cusack would star as Richard Nixon (the role for Hugh Jackman is still not clear).
Lee Daniels is writing the film, and Pamela Williams will produce.
Whitaker has recently starred in Catch .44 and he has just signed on to play Desmond Tutu in The Archbishop and the Antichrist.
