The movie is an adaptation of the Broadway play of the same name that concluded its run last year. Bryan Cranston will reprise his role as President Lyndon B. Johnson, which earned him a Tony Award.  Steven Spielberg has signed on to produce the film, and Jay Road will direct. Production on the adaptation is expected to begin this fall.

The film covers President Johnson from when he became the 36th president following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, through his first year. It will include the passing of monumental Civil Rights legislation in Congress and be followed by LBJ’s landslide reelection win.

According to Deadline, “Mackie’s role in the script will be significant, and portrays a far more collaborative and complex relationship than was depicted in the Best Picture nominee, Selma.”

At the Morehouse Film Festival, Mackie’s commitment to acting was on full display.  He said, “If you want to be a movie star, then you go BE a movie star…you let no one challenge that. You let no one question that. But if you want to be a working actor… if you want to take the time and commitment to spend four months in Poughkeepsie doing a play no one will see… if you want to take the time and commitment to do a Broadway show for people to say ‘You know what, the show was alright; it was directed well but I don’t like YOU’…that’s the type of dedication you have to put into this to be successful.”

Assuredly, Mackie will bring that focus and determination to this iconic role. It will definitely be the television event of the year.

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