Spike Lee is set to direct a James Brown biopic.

Reuters is reporting that Lee signed on to the authorized biopic, which will be released by Paramount Pictures. Production will likely start in 2008.

The late Brown, who died on Monday of congestive heart failure, will follow other music biopics like “Ray” – about Ray Charles – and “Walk the Line” – about Johnny Cash, which have been released in recent years.

According to Daily Variety, Brown was aware before his death of a possible biopic and granted authorization to the use of his music for the project before his death. Brian Grazer (”A Beautiful Mind”) is set to produce the film.

“Like everybody, I was surprised and saddened that James Brown died. Having known him well, and after spending lots of time with him and researching his life, it’s somehow not surprising that he died on Christmas Day. He was the ultimate showman, all the way to the end,” Grazer said.






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