Regina King continues to set the bar for herself, taking on new projects. Her latest, a directorial debut for the film One Night in Miami.
The Oscar winner for If Beale Street Could Talk directs the movie set in the 1960s in New Orleans. The storyline focuses on Malcolm X, played by Kingsley Ben-Adir, and Cassius Clay, who later became the heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali, and advocate. Eli Goree (Riverdale) plays a young Clay. Other cast members include Leslie Odom Jr. as singing great, Sam Cooke, and Aldis Hodges as NFL star Jim Brown. Events unfold when Clay, after his win against Sonny Liston, spends the night at the Hampton House Motel in Miami and celebrates with friends. It is an imaginative tale of the four men discussing how they can help remove racism for the equal rights of black Americans.

“One Night in Miami is a love letter to black manhood that powerfully explores themes of race, identity and friendship,” says King in a statement. “We’re so excited to have Kingsley, Eli, Aldis and Leslie in the lead roles showing a different side of these iconic men. — THR

One Night in Miami is an adaptation of the Kemp Powers stage play from 2013, in which Powers will write the film version as well. King will executive produce along with Powers.

By BSM Team

Feature photo: Getty Images