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Eddie Murphy is about to bring another legend’s story to the big screen. He is set to play George Clinton in an upcoming biopic.
As spotted on Variety Magazine the comedic talent has been slotted to star in the film that will spotlight the career of the Godfather of Funk. According to the announcement the project will directed by Bill Condon of Chicago and Dream Girls fame. For the script Virgil Williams has been tasked with updating the original which was penned by Max Werner. Catherine Davis, a life long fan of George Clinton, is credited with bringing the idea to Eddie Murphy. The movie will be based on the Parliament-Funkadelic founder’s 2014 memoir Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain’t That Funkin’ Kinda Hard on You? In it he details his early beginnings growing up in Plainfield, New Jersey and following his passion for music. The book reveals his many ups and downs as a musician including formation of P-Funk, financial hardships, life on the road, and more.
George Clinton’s musical stylings have had a direct influence Hip-Hop; specifically G-Funk. The D.O.C.’s breakout hit “It’s Funky Enough” is often cited as giving life to the sub genre but Dr. Dre’s classic The Chronic is viewed by many as the defining work. Clinton would also collaborate with some of the culture’s most brilliant minds including Snoop Dogg, OutKast, Wu-Tang Clan and more. At this time there is no tentative release date for the untitled George Clinton biopic. The film will be produced by Eddie Murphy Productions.
