Chadwick Boseman In Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Chadwick Boseman in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
  • Photo by Netflix

The late Black Panther star, Chadwick Boseman may be gone but his spirit is still very much with us. On October 1st, Netflix, the American technology and media services provider, unveiled first look images of Boseman’s final film, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, set for release on December 18th. The film is based on August Wilson‘s award winning play of the same title and the late actor stars alongside Viola Davis.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom follows the real life story of one of the earliest African-American professional Blues singer, Ma Rainey, played by Viola Davis. Chadwick Boseman played Ma’s boyfriend, Levee, a young, ambitious trumpeter with aspirations to make his own mark in the music industry.

Viola Davis as Ma Rainey in Ma Rainey’s black bottom alongside the late Chadwick Boseman as Levee. Image-Netflix

The film is set in 1927 Chicago and delves into the issues of race, music, relationships as well as the exploitation of Black recording artists. Worth noting is that black bottom is a dance routine tracing its origins to African-Americans in the rural south. It eventually became a national craze in the 1920s and was either danced solo or by couples. In 1927, the real life Ma Rainey recorded a song with the title Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

This yet to be released film on her life was directed by George C. Wolfe and produced by Denzel Washington, Todd Black and Dany Wolf. Ruben Santiago-Hudson was the Screenwriter. And what a way to remember Chadwick Boseman with his presence in the film.

Chadwick Boseman as Levee and Viola Davis as Ma Rainey in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Image – Netflix

The late actor passed on in late August after a 4 year battle with colon cancer. In late September, Disneyland unveiled a Chadwick Boseman mural in its downtown Disney Shopping District in remembrance of his role in Black Panther and inspiration to young, black kids. The artwork is by Nikkolas Smith.

Additional Source: Wikipedia & Variety

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