Bernie Mac’s daughter wants these two actors to play her dad in his biopic
The famed comedian’s biopic is in the works at John Legend’s production company.
Bernie Mac’s story is set to be told by John Legend’s production company and the famed comedian’s daughter has some specific names in mind for the biopic’s cast. According to TMZ, Je’Niece McCullough, Mac’s daughter, would like to see either Aldis Hodge or Mark Phillips play her dad.
McCullough told the outlet she’s been asked several times who she thinks should portray Mac in a potential documentary. She chose Hodge for his vast experience, she told TMZ. The award-winning actor is known for his roles on “Leverage” and Hidden Figures. He also played MC Ren in N.W.A.’s biopic, Straight Outta Compton, as well as NFL legend Jim Brown in One Night in Miami.
However, if producers choose to start Mac’s story in his teenage years, McCullough suggests casting YouTube star Mark Phillips. TMZ reports that McCullough’s daughter “loves” the internet personality and that she said he could capture Mac’s essence.
News of an upcoming biopic being handled by John Legend’s production company first broke last week at the 2021 Tribeca Festival. Mike Jackson, Legend’s partner at Get Lifted, revealed the production company partnered with Mac’s estate to tell his story.
“We just partnered with Bernie Mac’s estate to cover Bernie Mac’s story,” Jackson said at the festival. The Hollywood Reporter adds that Jackson said he is “very excited about” the partnership.
“It’s about the opportunities to tell a story that you feel are important,” he said.
Legend also reacted to the biopic and called it “the Soul Men reunion you all wanted to see.” In 2008, the singer starred in one of Mac’s final films, Soul Men. While reflecting on their time together on set, Legend said, “He truly just got joy from lighting people’s faces up with laughter.”
According to TMZ, Mac’s estate is led by his wife Rhonda McCullough, who will be involved in the upcoming film.