We’ve seen Anthony Mackie tap into an eclectic set of historical icons over the years, from Olympic medalist Jesse Owens to civil rights torchbearer Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. However, the actor is further expanding his acting repertoire outside of the MCU once more. According to Deadline, Mackie is set to portray famed attorney Johnnie Cochran in an untitled-as-of-yet film chronicling the landmark Signal Hill police brutality case in 1981.
READ: Ryan Coogler To Co-Write Screenplay For Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’
Aside from acting duties, Mackie is set to produce the film alongside Robbie Brenner, Kevin McKeon and Jeff Kwatinetz. Justin Chadwick is reportedly making a deal to direct a film, while screenwriter David McMillan is slated to write and executive produce the film.
READ: Anthony Mackie Weds Longtime Girlfriend In Secret Ceremony
This isn’t the first time an actor has portrayed Johnnie Cochran. The famed lawyer was recently played by Courtney B. Vance on the popular miniseries The People V. O.J. Simpson. The controversy surrounding the Signal Hill case centers around Ron Settles, a Cal State Long Beach football player who was flagged for speeding in Los Angeles. After his arrest, Settles was found hanged in his prison cell from an apparent suicide. The mysterious circumstances surrounding his death led to an autopsy, which determined that Settles was strangled.