Netflix has expanded its star-studded cast for the upcoming biopic Dolemite Is My Name with the addition of Wesley Snipes (Blade), Craig Robinson (Ghosted), Mike Epps (Fifty Shades of Black), Titus Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Office Christmas Party), according to The Hollywood Reporter.
This talented crew joins Eddie Murphy (Beverly Hills Cop) for the film based on the life of Rudy Ray Moore, the comedian well-known for his raunchy, X-rated stand up that he also infused with rapping and rhythm, earning him the nickname Godfather of Rap. Moore also became popular for his creation of the character Dolemite in his stand-up routines that, after five years of performing as the urban hero, he decided to bring him to the big screen with the 1975 movie of the same name.
Dolemite was such a hit it spawned two official sequels, as well as one unofficial sequel and an appearance in short film Murder Was the Case starring Snoop Dogg, and is credited as one of the most influential characters in the blaxploitation genre.
The upcoming biopic, directed by Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) and written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski (Goosebumps), will see Murphy portray Moore, while the new additions’ roles have yet to be announced. Principal photography for the film began on Tuesday and the film is set to premiere sometime in 2019.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
