Wendell Pierce to Portray Blues Legend B. B. King in Upcoming Biopic

Wendell Pierce has officially got the blues.

The actor, known for his performances in The Wire and Treme, announced he will be portraying legendary artist B.B. King in a new film.

“We are official. Preparation has begun on a film where I will be honored to play the great, BB King. Humbled.,” Pierce tweeted Monday.

Fans are already praising the casting, citing the duo’s resemblance and the actor’s acclaimed body of work.

We are official. Preparation has begun on a film where I will be honored to play the great, BB King. Humbled. pic.twitter.com/Y9JJvA3WW2

— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) October 19, 2020

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“An icon playing an icon. I can’t to watch you and BB shine together, my friend. Sending so much love to you and this production,” actor Jimmi Simpson tweeted.

Musician Tank responded to the news with, “WOW!!!!… You are absolutely the artist to paint this colossal cathedral!!”

The Thrill Is On, titled after King’s famous cover of the same name, is a drama centered on the friendship between King and young musician Michael Zanetis, according to IMDb, The script is being written by Zanetis and Melora Donoghue. No other casting has been revealed.

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SOURCE: Entertainment Weekly, Rachel Yang