How perfect is this? Today, it was announced that the incredibly talented Cynthia Erivo has been cast to play Harriet Tubman in MARCO and New Balloon’s feature film, “Harriet”. Erivo has won multiple awards, including a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, for her role of Celie in the 2015 Broadway adaptation of Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple”. Now, she’s taking her talents from the stage to the big screen, where she will bring the story of one of the greatest freedom fighters in history to life.
The development of the film, which will depict Harriet Tubman’s life as a slave, abolitionist, nurse, spy, and Underground Railroad conductor, was first announced last year. Charles D. King, who became the first African American partner of William Morris Endeavor Entertainment before leaving to launch his own company in 2015, is one of its producers. King’s multicultural media company MARCO is also co-financing the project. Production is set to start later this year.
Congratulations, Cynthia! We can’t wait to see you portray the iconic Harriet Tubman!