Variety say Derek Luke has been tapped up by Spike Lee for the lead role in THE MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA, the World War II drama he is directing out in Italy. The trade say that Wesley Snipes had been previously hired for the role (although I don’t remember hearing that) but tax problems stopped him for leaving the U.S to join up with the crew in Europe.
Luke then, is 33 and actually 12 years younger than Snipes and with considerably less experience. He has a role as an Army Ranger in the upcoming Robert Redford political drama LIONS FOR LAMBS and was previously in FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS and CATCH A FIRE.
In Spike Lee’s film, Luke will play one of the four U.S. Army all-black 92nd division who get separated from their squad behind enemy lines, where they find humanity in a small Tuscan village of St. Anna. Racism, and America’s view on black soldiers during the World War II is the subject matter Lee is dealing with here, along with Hollywood’s decision to omit black actors from movies dealing with the war.
Also on board are John Turturro, James Gandolfini, Adrian Washington, Michael Ealy, Omar Benson, Naomi Campbell, Tony Kittles and many many more. First time writer James McBride wrote the script.
THE MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA has been a project not well covered over the web recently and I actually have to do a lot of groundwork sometimes to find out what’s going on with it. It’s said Touchstone are looking to distribute the movie internationally and the film should easily be complete before the strike deadline.
3 Comments
I’m glad they replaced Wesley Snipes. He’s become erratic and unstable (not as bad as Lindsay Lohan, or anything, but still) and besides, it’s WAY past time Hollywood started cultivating the next generation of black actors. I am SO tired of seeing the same four guys (Denzel, Morgan, Will or…ugh! Wesley)
And look at the cast Spike’s assembled -wow! All character actors and strong players too…except Naomi Campbell. I wouldn’t hire her if she was the last chick on the planet.
And Derek Luke may not have a ton of “experience” but he’s no worse an actor than Tyrese Gibson.
iluv you derek!u r so fine!only if u werent married!lol
I sure have crush on you, Derek you are all i need in a man. unfortunately you are married. what can i do but , to stick with that fact. Good life Derek.