I originally was supposed to audition for James Brown, but it’s funny because I called Tate and I was like “I don’t know which character I like more, James Brown or Bobby Byrd.” In my heart of hearts I knew I liked Bobby Byrd more. For some reason I had a connection to him. I auditioned for James Brown. It went alright but he came back to me and said “You’re not right for James Brown, but we all agree that you look like Bobby Byrd.” They offered me Bobby. It was meant to be.
Synopsis:
A chronicle of James Brown’s rise from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential musicians in history.
Director: Tate Taylor
Writers: Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth
Stars: Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd
You can also view a video interview Nelsan recently did with EuroWeb below:
Sources: Euroweb - Jill Scott and Nelsan Ellis Share Favorite Scenes From ‘Get On Up’ (Watch)
Men’s Journal - Nelsan Ellis Bares His Soul
(Photo Credit: HBO Inc.)
