There have been various people rumoured for Lee Daniels’ planned movie The Butler, but one role that remained empty until now was the one the film was named after – The Butler himself. However Variety reports that Forest Whitaker is in early talks for the role.
The film follows Eugene Allen, a African-American who worked in the White House, serving eight presidents from 1952 to 1986. He started at the White House as a “pantry man” in the early 50s, at a time when blacks weren’t allowed to use public restrooms in his native Virginia. He rose through the ranks and had a unique front-row seat on everything from the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
If he signs on, Whitaker will play Eugene, while David Oyelowo is negotiating to play his son. Oprah Winfrey is rumored to be interested in playing his wife, while other Hollywood vets such as Hugh Jackman, Liam Neeson and Mila Kunis are eyeing the roles of other real-life figures.
Hopefully this one will come together, as Daniels has had problems getting a follow-up to Precious off the ground, as despite attracting top talent, the money men haven’t wanted to pony up the cash. Fingers crossed that won’t be an issue here.