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Photo of James Brown

Last week marked the sixth anniversary of the death of the iconic James Brown. In a new interview with EBONY.com, one of his daughter’s, Deanna Brown, opened up about the planned biopic to be produced by the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger. Previously, Spike Lee was to be working on a film about the life of James Brown, although he ultimately was removed from the project. In her Q&A with EBONY, Deanna shares her thoughts on the movie – specifically who she’d like to see play him.

EBONY: We’ve just heard word of a new James Brown biopic produced by Mick Jagger that’s in the works. What can you tell us about that?

DB: The deal just got inked, so a lot of stuff hasn’t even happened yet. They’re just starting to crack open the box on pre-production. But they will be working very closely with the family and we will be having our meetings soon. But news broke just as the deal was inked. But we’re looking forward to this being a classic and to showing why my father was respected and will be respected as the Godfather of Soul.

EBONY: Who would you like to see play your father in this movie?

DB: I’m going to be honest with you. Knowing my dad, there’s not going to be anyone who can really play him, but if they come close they are doing a great job. I know it’s going to be a strong actor. A lot of people have mentioned Eddie Murphy and my dad loved Eddie Murphy, he truly loved him, but he wasn’t excited about the thought of a comedian playing him. He’d always say, “Ain’t nothing about my life that’s funny.” So, to me, he was looking for someone who was going to bring some drama to the role. He was a serious guy, so I don’t know. It’s really hard to say who could do a good job with it but I hope that whoever it is that they realize there’s going to be a lot a study and a lot of work involved to get him down!

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