Billy Porter to portray James Baldwin in upcoming biopic

Byron Allen’s ‘Allen Media Group’ Motion Pictures has tapped Pose star, Billy Porter, to co-write a James Baldwin biopic and also portray the iconic writer and civil rights activist in the movie. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the upcoming project will center around David Leeming’s 1994 book, James Baldwin: A Biography. Dan McCabe will also co-write the script.

A renowned and accomplished entertainer in Hollywood, Porter has in the past expressed his admiration for Baldwin. During his emotional acceptance speech after winning the 2019 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, the 53-year-old quoted Baldwin. 

Per The Hollywood Reporter, it has always been Porter’s dream to also bring the iconic writer and civil rights activist’s life and struggles to the big screen. “As a Black queer man on this planet with relative consciousness, I find myself, like James Baldwin said, ‘in a rage all the time.’ I am because James was. I stand on James Baldwin’s shoulders, and I intend to expand his legacy for generations to come,” said Porter in a statement.

The biopic will be co-produced by Porter’s Incognegro Productions and Allen Media Group. “Billy Porter and Dan McCabe’s talent and commitment to amplifying James Baldwin’s legacy and contributions are invaluable and unmatched for this unique and epic story,” Allen said in a statement.

Born in Harlem, New York on August 2, 1924, Baldwin spent a large part of his 63 years blessing the world with words, books, and a strong belief in who he was with no apologies.

Baldwin started writing about his experiences throughout his life while he faced constant racism and abuse both in school and on the streets, just because he was Black. Notes of a Native Son, which was his second publication and one of his most popular books, was published in 1955.

At 13, Baldwin started his writing career when he published his first article Harlem-Then and Now in the ‘Douglas Pilot,’ his high school magazine which he served as editor as well. His passion for writing started in public libraries where he stayed to avoid his stepfather, David Baldwin. David was particularly stern with James, a tactic he felt was good to put the first son in order.

Baldwin’s honest opinions are thought-provoking and his writing skill makes his reading enjoyable, relatable, and unforgettable.