Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker is set to star in the upcoming EPIX miniseries Godfather of Harlem, depicting legendary crime figure Bumpy Johnson.
Godfather of Harlem, written by Narcos co-creator Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein, “is inspired by the story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Whitaker), who in the early 1960s returned from ten years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles,” reads a press release. “With the streets controlled by the Italian mob, Bumpy must take on the Genovese crime family to regain control. During the brutal battle, he forms an alliance with radical preacher Malcolm X (Thatch) – catching Malcolm’s political rise in the crosshairs of social upheaval and a mob war that threatens to tear the city apart. Godfather of Harlem is a collision of the criminal underworld and the civil rights movement during one of the most tumultuous times in American history.”
The 10-episode ABC Signature Studios production will make its debut this fall on EPIX and EPIX NOW, the networks new streaming service.
Forest Whitaker, who stars in the lead role, is one of the most accomplished actors. He won an Oscar for portraying Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland.
In addition to his critically acclaimed acting prowess, Whitaker has directed films such as Strapped and Waiting To Exhale.
In addition to Whitaker and Thatch, Vincent D’Onofrio, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Sorvino, and Ilfenesh Hadera also star.
Check the trailer Godfather of Harlem below.
