Spielberg to Produce Martin Luther King Biopic

Steven Spielberg, the man who created summer blockbusters, has agreed to co-produce a Martin Luther King Jr. biopic for DreamWorks.

For the first time Martin Luther King Jr.’s estate has allowed producers to use his intellectual property including his landmark 1963 “I Have A Dream” speech in a feature film about the civil rights leader. One of the most important figures in American history, King copyrighted his speeches, books and miscellaneous works before his assassination in 1968.

Dreaming

“We are all honored that the King estate is giving us the opportunity to tell the story of these defining, historic events,” said Spielberg. “It is our hope that the creative power of film and the impact of Dr. King’s life can combine to present a story of undeniable power that we can all be proud of.”

Dr. King’s son, Dexter, who is chairman and chief executive of the King estate, said “We hope that this will be the definitive film on his life and legacy.”

Madison Jones and Suzanne de Passe (Lonesome Dove) will produce alongside Spielberg.