Spike Lee Developing New Brooklyn Film Project, On Gentrification And Michael Jackson

Spike Lee is supposedly working on a movie about the late Michael Jackson and how he relates to the gentrification of Brooklyn, and in theory, any neighborhood in general. A weird concept to some, but considering Spike Lee had thrown a big bash celebrating Michael Jackson’s birthday in Prospect Park last year during the summer, he’s writing from experience and how close it hits to his home.

According to The Playlist, he’s already snagged his usual cast of cohorts for the project, including Samuel L. Jackson, Rosie Perez and John Turturro for the recently titled “Brooklyn Hearts MJ”. They supposedly have a copy of the fourth draft of the script, which shows that he’s working toward funding and ultimately getting this film made as soon as possible. Supposedly the script starts off in the Brooklyn neighbord Bedford-Stuyvesant in the summer of 1989 and ends up back to the summer of 2009 in the neighborhood of Fort Greene. It follows DJ Brooklyn Godlove, an African American obsessed with Michael Jackson, who after learning of his death, wants to throw a big block party in celebration of the life of Michael Jackson which doesn’t sit well with the white president of the local resident’s association. There’s also a side story with his drug dealer half brother who gives the neighborhood a bad name which also throws a bit more drama into the mix.

It is being described as a companion piece to the Criterion Collection’s own Spike Lee release, 1989’s career making “Do the Right Thing”, which excites us here at the Criterion Cast even more. Can there be another Spike Lee movie in the collection on the horizon? To showcase a directorial career spanning over 30 years and a director who brings controversy with many of his releases? Hopefully we’ll find out soon when Lee will attempt to film this summer if he gets the funding in time.

Source: The Playlist

Source: The Wrap