Anthony Mackie Will Finally Get to Play Jimi Hendrix in Ol Parker’s ‘Jimi’

Cannes 2014: Thandie Newton will co-star in the long-gestating project, which may also add Noomi Rapace

Anthony Mackie is set to play Jimi Hendrix in a new incarnation of the long-gestating project “Jimi,” which was formerly known as “Crosstown Traffic,” TheWrap has learned.

Ol Parker will direct from his own screenplay, which Paul Greengrass had once planned to direct with Mackie starring. The project fell apart in 2010 following objections from Hendrix’s estate over the script’s portrayal of the legendary rock star. Those concerns appear to have been addressed, as Parker himself will now step behind the camera.

Also read: Anthony Mackie in Negotiations to Join Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Christmas Comedy (Exclusive)

Parker’s wife, Thandie Newton, will co-star in the film, which chronicles the last nine days of Hendrix’s life.

Noomi Rapace is being eyed for a supporting role, possibly as Hendrix’s former girlfriend Kathy Etchingham, who the closely resembles the Swedish actress.

Also read: Noomi Rapace Joins Will Smith in Legendary’s Sci-Fi Movie ‘Brilliance’

UTA, which represents rising star Mackie, is handling sales for the project, which is among the hottest being shopped at Cannes, though it remains unclear when production is expected to start.

Mackie is currently in negotiations to star alongside Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon Levitt in Jonathan Levine’s untitled Sony comedy set on Christmas Eve in New York City. In addition to UTA, he’s repped by Inspire Entertainment.

The news was first reported by Deadline.

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