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Kerry Washington Confirmed for Female Lead in 'Django Unchained'

by Ethan Anderton
October 26, 2011

After the Ray and Last King of Scotland actress was rumored to take the lead female role in Quentin Tarantino's forthcoming film Django Unchained, Deadline confirms Kerry Washington will play Broomhilda, the suffering slave wife of the title character played by Jamie Foxx. The story follows a freed slave named Django who, under the tutelage of a German bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz), becomes a deadly bounty hunter himself. After helping his German mentor, the two team-up to track down Broomhilda and finally liberate her from the villainous plantation owner Calvin Candie played by Leonardo DiCaprio.

The journey to track down Broomhilda take Django to a variety of "unsavory places" and essentially drive the entire film which culminates at Candle's Candyland ranch. Apparently Washington had long been desired for the role, but Tarantino was also interested in potentially finding an unknown talent to take the role. However, after a long casting search that didn't turn up anyone promising enough for the part, he decided Washington was definitely the best bet. This will certainly be one of the most high profile roles the actress has taken, and the biggest role she's landed since Lakeview Terrace opposite Samuel L. Jackson, who coincidentally enough, also has a role in this western along with Kurt Russell, Don Johnson and more.

Filed under Casting, Movie News

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