Chadwick Boseman, ’42’ Star, Joins ‘Draft Day’ From Ivan Reitman
Chadwick Boseman has joined Draft Day, the new football drama from director Ivan Reitman, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The website stated that the part Boseman will be playing is that of a promising Louisiana football player, whose Draft Day might make or break him.
Boseman has made a splash in Hollywood following his turn as Jackie Robinson in the inspirational baseball film 42 opposite Harrison Ford. The pair aided the film to a record-breaking opening at the weekend box office.
Now Boseman will get a shot to share screen time with Kevin Costner and Jennifer Garner.
The film’s plot will focus on a general manager (Costner) forced into a cycle of tough professional and personal choices during a 24-hour period with the NFL draft as the backdrop.
Additional stars will include Denis Leary, Frank Langella, and Ellen Burstyn. The script chores were handled by Scott Rothman and Rajiv Joseph.
It will be Rothman’s first official writing credit, while Joseph has done a couple of episodes for Nurse Jackie on Showtime.
As for Ivan Reitman, the Stripes and Ghostbusters helmsman doesn’t pull rank on many films these days, spending most of his time producing.
In fact, throughout the 2000s, he only shot three features — Evolution, Cooking Lessons, and My Super Ex-Girlfriend. His most recent work was No Strings Attached starring Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman in 2011.
Other than Draft Day, Reitman has Triplets forthcoming. According to IMDb, neither production has begun filming, so no release dates are in sight.
For Chadwick Boseman, the last several years have been a busy time. The rising star has forged a strong television resume with roles on Third Watch, Law and Order, CSI: NY, ER, Cold Case, Lie to Me, Lincoln Heights, Castle, and Fringe, to name a few.
Here’s Boseman discussing his role in 42:
Prior to 42, his lone film role was in 2008’s football drama The Express, based on the tragic but triumphant life of Ernie Davis. It wouldn’t be until 42, however, that Boseman would have the opportunity to take center stage.
What did you think about Chadwick Boseman in 42, and are you excited for his turn in Draft Day?
