Viola Davis may have a potential hit series on her hands with Shonda Rhimes' “How to Get Away with Murder,” but don't worry movie fans, she isn't giving up her day job. The two-time Oscar nominee has a number of big screen roles on the way including a reunion with Tate Taylor, the director of “The Help” in “Get On Up,” which hits theaters next month.
Produced by Brian Grazer and, no joke, Mick Jagger, among others, “Get On Up” tells the life story of the legendary James Brown. The Godfather of Soul is played by Chadwick Boseman, who broke out two years ago playing another African American icon, Jackie Robinson, in “42.” Davis plays Susie Brown, James' estranged mother who left him when he was a kid.
Universal has provided us with an exclusive clip from the film, which finds Susie Brown visiting James backstage at the Apollo Theater at the height of his career. Needless to say, James might not be too thrilled that his mother has decided to re-enter his life. It's a short scene, but is still a showcase for the tremendous talents of Ms. Davis and Mr. Boseman.
You can watch this exclusive embedded at the top of this post.
For more on “Get On Up” check out Daniel Fienberg's set visit report here.
“Get On Up” opens nationwide on Aug. 1.