Chris Rock is gearing up to examine the life of Martin Luther King Jr. The actor and comedian is in final negotiations to direct and produce a biopic of the late civil rights icon

The film, which will be executive produced by Steven Spielberg, will be based on "King: A Life", Jonathan Eig’s new biography that Universal has optioned and that The New York Times called the "definitive" bio of MLK Jr. and the first comprehensive account of his life in decades.

Eig’s book has been called the definitive biography of the late civil rights icon. It uses new FBI information and hundreds of interviews to paint a portrayal of King as a "courageous but emotionally troubled individual who demanded peaceful protest while grappling with his own frailties and a government that hunted him." Since it’s early in the development process, casting has not been announced.

This won’t be Rock’s first time in the director’s chair, as he previously helmed the comedy movies Top Five, Head of State and I Think I Love My Wife. Still, directing a biopic about one of the most important figures in United States history is a major step up, and having Spielberg in his corner will surely be incredibly beneficial when it comes to honing this aspect of his craft.

Rock will be seen onscreen later this year in George C. Wolfe’s civil rights biopic “Rustin” starring Colman Domingo, and participated in a live stand-up special for Netflix earlier this year.

Source: Press Release