Spike Lee To Direct Marion Barry Biopic For HBO
Spike Lee is pegged to direct a Barry biopic, joined by writer John Ridley. Lee, Ridley and Eddie Murphy, who will also star, will all share in producing the film
Despite his rather tumultuous recent history, Eddie Murphy has more then made his mark on the comedy role. But it looks as if he may be stepping into drama in a new biopic that will focus on the life of former DC mayor Marion Barry. Once a prominent and influential civil rights activist, Barry's life took a turn when he was convicted on drug charges for smoking crack cocaine. However, since then, he has continued to be an influence in D.C. politics, and serves as a council member even today. The Washington Post reports that Spike Lee is pegged to direct the film for HBO, joined by writer John Ridley. Lee, Ridley and Murphy will all share in producing the film. Though Lee wishes to draw from several sources, he has reportedly brought on Harry Jaffe and Tom Sherwood, who wrote "Dream City," a book about 1994 D.C. politics. Though HBO has attempted, and failed, to get a Barry biopic off the ground with enough star power and support, they may just get it off the ground.