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Lee Daniels Has Apparently Found 'The Butler' in Forest Whitaker

by Ben Pearson
March 6, 2012
Source: Variety

Director Lee Daniels is all set to start work on a project called The Butler, based on Wil Haygood's 2008 Washington Post story about Eugene Allen, a White House servant who worked under eight different presidents. All Daniels needs now is a cast. Rise of the Planet of the Apes star David Oyelowo was once rumored for the lead, but now Variety reports that Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker is in negotiations for the lead role. No need for Oyelowo fans to be disappointed, though - there's word the actor will still play a part in the movie, taking on the role of Eugene Allen's son. But that's not all the casting news. Read on!

Variety confirms Oprah Winfrey to be in talks to join the film, and they say the concept for the movie is similar to what Steven Spielberg is doing with Lincoln - bringing in big name actors in glorified cameo roles and having the center of the story play out through the characters portrayed by Whitaker, Oyelowo, and Winfrey. We recently reported that Liam Neeson - once set to play Lincoln himself in the aforementioned Spielberg project - is likely lined up for the role of Lyndon B. Johnson, and with other big names like Hugh Jackman, Mila Kunis, and John Cusack rumored, this cast is shaping up quite nicely. Though financing for the movie isn't solidified yet, a summer start date is expected

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