Forest Whitaker has signed on to star in the upcoming Denzel Washington drama THE GREAT DEBATERS for The Weinstein Co. The film is based on the true story of a black 1930s East Texas debate team who makes it through a tournament to challenge a championship Harvard team. Washington will play the team’s coach while Whitaker will star as the father of one of the boys battling with the coach for his son’s affection. In addition to his starring role, Washington will also direct the film, his follow-up to ANTWONE FISHER. Oprah Winfrey is producing the film through her Harpo Films production company. Washington recently wrapped AMERICAN GANGSTER with Russell Crowe and Whitaker, fresh off his Oscar win, just signed on to star with Keanu Reeves in THE NIGHT WATCHMAN. Curious is that both DEBATERS and WATCHMAN are scheduled to begin shooting next month (the former in Louisiana and the latter in Los Angeles).
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