movie Eddie Murphy becomes funk icon George Clinton

Hollywood's star comedian Eddie Murphy is tackling another iconic role. The 63-year-old wants to play the lead role in a planned biopic about the American radio pioneer George Clinton, according to the industry magazine "Variety".

The film will be directed by Oscar winner Bill Condon (69), who already got Murphy in front of the camera for the 2006 film musical "Dreamgirls". The film is based on the memoirs of the now 83-year-old musician, who is celebrated as the "father of funk".

Clinton founded his first band as a teenager and has since led groups such as Parliament and Funkadelic. His numerous hits include "Flash Light", "P-Funk", "One Nation Under a Groove" and "Atomic Dog". In 1997, Parliament-Funkadelic was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2019, Clinton and his bandmates received a Grammy Honorary Award for their lifetime achievement. Last January, they were honored with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Clinton, who is known for spectacular live performances, has inspired or worked with artists such as Prince, Missy Elliott, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Kendrick Lamar and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

40 years after the hit movie "Beverly Hills Cop" and 30 years after his last outing as brash police officer Axel Foley, Murphy returned in his signature role last July with "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F". The comedian also caused a sensation with films such as "The Fortune Seekers", "The Prince of Zamunda", "The Nutty Professor" and "Dolemite Is My Name".

SDA