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Forest Whitaker Directing, Starring in Louis Armstrong Biopic

Forest Whitaker will direct and star in the Louis Armstrong biopic What a Wonderful World. The Paris-based company Legende will produce the film.

Oscar Cohen, the executor of Armstrong's estate, will co-author the original script with Ron Bass. This is the first film that has been approved and authorized by the late musician's estate. The film will explore Armstrong's poor upbringing in New Orleans and will follow his career as a prominent trumpet virtuoso and improvisational singer. The project will begin shooting in Louisiana next summer. Cohen, who also worked as Armstrong's road manager, is allowing the filmmakers exclusive access to his personal accounts, letters, and other materials in the archives.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
10.16.08