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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Spielberg Snags MLK Movie Rights

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(Newser) – The first authorized biopic of Martin Luther King Jr. will be a Steven Spielberg production. The filmmaker's DreamWorks studio has obtained the rights from King's family, NPR reports. No word yet on whether Spielberg himself will direct or who will play the main role (Denzel? Jamie Foxx?). King’s children are notoriously protective of his legacy, and approval apparently came from son Dexter, who runs the estate. “We hope that this will be the definitive film on his life and legacy,” he said.

Martin Luther King III, son of Dr. Martin Luther King.
Martin Luther King III, son of Dr. Martin Luther King.   (AP Photo)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.   (AP Photo)
From left to right: Rev. Bernice King, Dexter King, Martin Luther King III and Yolanda King.
From left to right: Rev. Bernice King, Dexter King, Martin Luther King III and Yolanda King.   (AP Photo)
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It is our hope that the creative power of film and the impact of Dr. King's life can combine to present a story of undeniable power that we can all be proud of. - Steven Spielberg

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5 comments
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ksu92
May 19, 09 6:56 PM CDT
Oh, this will go over great with Spike Lee. Reply
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DeniseVB
May 19, 09 8:03 PM CDT
Jamie Foxx ! I see him in image #2 :) Reply
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paul123
May 19, 09 9:55 PM CDT
I hope its a well done movie. Reply
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Forderon
May 20, 09 12:17 AM CDT
Considering Spike Lee had to put up his own money and borrow from Michael Jordan and Oprah to make Malcolm X, he's gonna be pissed that Spielberg got this over him and he'll have production companies lining up to be apart of it. Reply
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Collusive
May 20, 09 12:21 AM CDT
Stick to the Holocaust Spielberg, this isn't your story. Reply
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