'Godfather of funk': Eddie Murphy in talks to play George Clinton in biopic, from humble beginnings to hip-hop influence
Eddie Murphy in early talks to play funk legend George Clinton in an upcoming biopic, also serving as a producer.
Updated : October 20, 2023 05:27 PM ISTEddie Murphy in early talks to play funk legend George Clinton in an upcoming biopic, also serving as a producer.
Eddie Murphy (Source: Entertainment Weekly)
"'Godfather of Funk': Eddie Murphy's Exciting Journey from 'SNL' to George Clinton Biopic!"
Eddie Murphy is a man of many talents, and he's setting his sights on the "Godfather of Funk" George Clinton for his next passion project. As reported by Deadline, Murphy is in early talks to play the iconic Parliament-Funkadelic leader in an upcoming biopic.
From Comedy to Funk: A New Beat for Murphy
Fresh from the success of "Coming 2 America," Murphy's dance card is filling up with diverse roles that continue to showcase his range and enduring popularity. This George Clinton biopic is a passion project for Murphy, who will also don the producer's hat alongside Davis Entertainment.
The film will trace the life of George Clinton, a trailblazer and innovator in the funk genre. Beginning with his roots in North Carolina in the 1940s, the story will follow his rise with Parliament and Funkadelic, and his impact on hip-hop giants like Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg.
A Legend Playing a Legend
Having proven his mettle in films like "Dolemite Is My Name," Murphy is uniquely positioned to capture the essence of Clinton's life and music. His recent Emmy nomination for his return to Saturday Night Live, where he was launched in the early 1980s, only reaffirms his standing in the entertainment world.
Clinton's musical legacy continues to resonate, with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, alongside 15 other members of Parliament-Funkadelic. Murphy's portrayal promises to be a fitting tribute to a legend who shaped a genre and inspired generations.
The film also marks Murphy's continued collaboration with Netflix, following the Kenya Barris-directed comedy "You People," and "Beverly Hills Cop 4," where he will reprise his Axel Foley role.
Murphy's recent three-picture deal with Amazon and the biopic's production make this a must-watch in the making. From his comedy classic sequels to his transformation into the "Godfather of Funk," Eddie Murphy's career seems to groove on without missing a beat.
His anticipated portrayal of George Clinton is just another example of how Murphy continues to redefine himself, taking on challenging roles that pay homage to the legends of music, film, and beyond.
(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)