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Wednesday, March 30, 2005
The Pioneer on the Silver Screen
Being a movie buff and a sports buff, it's not surpising that I am always intrigued by the melding of my two passions: the sports movie. Yesterday it was announced that Robert Redford would be bringing Jackie Robinson's story to the big screen. I think this will make for a very interesting project, since Hollywood has actually been doing a good job with historically-based sports films recently, such as Seabiscuit, Miracle and Friday Night Lights.
The most interesting part of the story is that while Redford will be playing Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey, the part of Robinson is still up for grabs. The film is being produced by the same company that helmed Ray, and naturally they have an eye towards Jamie Foxx in the lead role. The producer Howard Baldwin even told the SF Chronicle: "At the appropriate time, we'd be nuts not to want to talk to Jamie."
But should Foxx take the part? While I definitely think that he would nail the role, it would be best for him to pass on it. First of all, there's the age factor. Robinson joined the majors at age 28; Foxx is already 37. While he looks younger than that, I just wonder if he could get back to his Any Given Sunday physique again. Secondly, Foxx just finished starring in a biopic about a mid-20th century African-American legend. This is the time for him to diversify his roles because this post-Oscar clout won't last forever.
So who to cast? I'd go with Derek Luke or Mekhi Phifer. Both have the right age, right look, and right acting chops.
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