Movies

Hollywood Has Cast Thurgood Marshall

"[Thurgood] Marshall was a cowboy who used his law books as guns."

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Good news for all you law nerds out there. Reginald Hudlin, the producer of Django Unchained, is set to direct a new movie, Marshall, about none other than Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. The Hollywood Reporter confirms the legendary attorney will be portrayed by Chadwick Boseman.

Boseman is no stranger to playing legends, as he has portrayed Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get On Up, and is slated to play Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Though probably best known for his work as a justice on the Supreme Court and for arguing Brown v. Board of Education, the movie intends to explore a different time in Justice Marshall’s life, way back when he was a young attorney working for NAACP.

The storyline, according to the producers: “a nearly bankrupt NAACP sends Marshall to conservative Connecticut to defend a black chauffeur against his wealthy socialite employer in a sexual assault and attempted murder trial that quickly became tabloid fodder. In need of a high profile victory but muzzled by a segregationist court, Marshall is partnered with Samuel Friedman, a young Jewish lawyer who has never tried a case. Marshall and Friedman struggle against a hostile storm of fear and prejudice, driven to discover the truth in the sensationalized trial which helped set the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement to come.”

For those not adverse to spoilers (is it really a spoiler if it actually happened 75 years ago?), you can read more about the case at Legal Affairs.

Director Hudlin really seems to appreciate the impact Marshall’s work had on the country, even if he does make it seem a little… Hollywood:

“Thurgood Marshall was a man who took his life in his hands every time he came to a town to bring justice,” said Hudlin in a statement. “Marshall was a cowboy who used his law books as guns.  He was the smartest guy in the room of any room he was in.  But he wasn’t a punk and didn’t hesitate to throw a punch if the occasion called for it.”

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Thurgood Marshall: Not A Punk. I’d watch that movie.

Chadwick Boseman to Portray Thurgood Marshall in Courtroom Thriller [The Hollywood Reporter]
SAVING THE RACE [Legal Affairs]

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