Danai Gurira has her next role in sight. The actress has been tapped to portray Shirley Chisholm in The Fighting Shirley Chisholm, The Hollywood Reporter reports. The film will follow the barrier-breaking politician amid her 1972 presidential run. Director Cherien Dabis will helm the movie while Stephanie Allain will serve as producer. Adam Countee is penning the script.
Chisholm was first elected to Congress in 1968, and she was the first Black woman to earn that distinction. Not only that, but Chisholm was the first woman to run for the Democratic party’s presidential nomination. Chisholm served on Congress as a representative for New York’s 12th congressional district from 1969 to 1983. Additionally, Chisholm was one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the National Women’s Political Caucus. From 1977 to 1981, she was elected as Secretary of the House Democratic Caucus.
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Now, Chisholm has previously been portrayed on screen. Uzo Aduba played the legendary politician in Hulu’s Mrs. America.
Gurira is most known for her role as katana-wielding Michonne in The Walking Dead. However, she’s since carved out a path in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Wakandan warrior Okoye in Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Gurira is no stranger to blockbuster films, but she’s also done her fair share of character roles. I think she’ll be excellent as Chisholm. Can we say “Oscar winner Danai Gurira,” anyone? Not to mention, Chisholm’s story needs to be told on the big screen. Her historic legacy is far too important to be ignored.
What do you think of Danai Gurira portraying Shirley Chisholm in The Fighting Shirley Chisholm? Sound off in the comments below!
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