Universal has released the first trailer for its upcoming biopic on the founding father of funk music, James Brown. Get On Up stars Chadwick Boseman as Brown. Boseman previously played Jackie Robinson in 42. The movie is produced by Brian Gazer, who is well known for his work on 8 Mile, Apollo 13 and American Gangster. Co-produced by Mick Jagger, the film’s co-stars include Nelsan Ellis, Lennie James, Tika Sumpter, Jill Scott and Dan Aykroyd.
From exploding planes in Vietnam to prison cells and plenty of time in the studio and on the Chitlin Circuit, the movie’s first glance appears to have as much conflict, attitude and funk as the Godfather of Soul himself.
The film follows Brown’s rise to fame, from his poor childhood to becoming one of the most iconic musicians of the 20th century. Directed from a script written by Steven Baigelman and Jez & John-Henry Butterworth, the anticipated film will hit the silver screens in August.
