Samuel L. Jackson is being tipped to play James Brown.

The film was already in the early planning stages before Brown died of pneumonia on Christmas Day (12/25/06). He was 73. Rumours are now rife that the film's director Spike Lee, whose past work includes 'Clockers' and 'Malcolm X', wants Jackson to play the 'Living In America' singer. A source is quoted by Britain's Daily Express newspaper as saying: "The film of Brown's life had actually been planned for some time prior to his death.

Filming is now expected to begin in 2008 and it's understood that Jackson is in pole position to land the role." The as yet untitled movie will focus on all aspects of Brown's remarkable life, including his phenomenal music, his prominent role in the American civil rights movement and his turbulent private life. His 1968 hit 'Say it Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud' became an anthem for African-Americans determined to get the rights and wealth they felt they deserved.
In his lifetime Brown was married four times, and served time in jail for several different offences, including drugs and firearms charges.