Viola Davis has had quite a successful streak on the critically acclaimed ABC series How to Get Away with Murder, and now she’s making new strides by starring as Harriet Tubman in a new HBO film.
“The film, now in development, tells the story of American hero Tubman. Born a slave, she escaped and, via an intricate escape network of secret routes and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad, she led more than 300 slaves to freedom in the North and later fought with the Union during the Civil War,” Deadline writes.
Davis is also set to co-executive produce the project, which is based on some material from historian Kate Clifford’s book, Bound for the Promise Land.
In addition to Davis, writer Kirk Ellis who worked on HBO’s mini series John Adams will also join in along with production from Amblin TV, owned by Steven Spielberg. Entourage’s Doug Ellin will work on the upcoming film as well.
Yet this is not the only project that is underway in relation to the Underground Railroad. Two other projectss are in the works as well, including the drama Underground (which Kanye West will reportedly serve as music consultant for) and NBC’s Freedom Run produced by Stevie Wonder.
Keep making us proud, Viola. – Richy Rosario