MovieChat Forums > Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson (2005) Discussion > Who Should Play Jack Johnson If A Movie ...

Who Should Play Jack Johnson If A Movie Is Made?

posted 18 years ago by clogan8307
10 replies | jump to latest

I like the documentary "Unforgivable Blackness" so much that I hope they don't make a movie about Jack Johnson. The reason why is because I don't think Hollywood would do him justice. They would make up things to sensationalize the story and leave out significant parts of his life because of time constraints.

But if a movie was made about the life of Jack Johnson, who do you think would be very convincing in playing the role of the man with the golden smile? I believe that middleweight boxer Jermaine Taylor would be good for the role. He's dark, almost bald, is his height and is originally from the South just like Jack Johnson was. Here are some photos of Jermaine Taylor:
http://talkingboxing.com/photos/taylor.jpg
http://www.vegasinsider.com/graphics/covers/jertaylor.jpg
http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/2003/photos2004/1204/a_taylor_jermain_ht.jpg
http://espn-att.starwave.com/media/ncf/2005/1203/photo/a_hopkinstaylor_275.jpg

"The mind is like a parachute. It works best when it is open." - Rickson Gracie

[–] drumandbass1212 16 years ago

Wouldn't you want an ACTOR to play Jack Johnson?

[–] clogan8307 16 years ago

Absolutely not. We've had countless actors play the role of boxers in movies and so far only two (Robert DeNiro in Raging Bull) and Mr. T (in Rocky) have been convincing. And Mr. T probably shouldn't even count because he was a fighter in tough man contests before he got into acting.

I'M THE KING OF ENGLAND!!!!

[–] Quankers 15 years ago

When I watched this doc, I asked myself the same question and the only name that came to my mind was Michael Clarke Duncan

If you think I am a troll, report me.

[–] Sh0-Nuff 16 years ago

How about actor Rob Brown from (Finding Forrester, and The Express). He's 6'1 just like Jack Johnson and pretty dark. Jack Johnson was 30 when he was the first black heavyweight champion. So i think it could kinda work.

http://media.monstersandcritics.com/galleries/1118440/DGG-01861839685. jpg

http://www.glapn.org/sodomylaws/jackjohnson/home_sigimage_top.jpg

[–] pepperdoggie 15 years ago

There sort of already has been a movie about him — "The Great White Hope" (1970) with James Earl Jones draws heavily from Johnson's life.

[–] Billy_Jack_2 15 years ago

Yea but it was very different to the real Jack Johnson's story. Maybe Jamie Foxx could play him, although I guess thats a big call hehehe! He could put lifts in his shoes to make him about 4 inches taller hehehe.

You think thats your husband, you think his going to come and save you don't you?

[–] bryanac625 14 years ago

1) I wouldn't have a problem with a JJ movie but I agree with you that movies tend to take liberties with a true story... though some have done much better than others.

2) Michael Clarke Duncan is 52 years old. He looks the part but he's way too old to play JJ.

[–] Sneakher 14 years ago

Bokeem Woodbine or the main slave from Amistad.

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] SteelKeez 12 years ago

Idris Elba

Woodrow...You came here with teeth...Do you wanna leave here with teeth!-Aunt Esther