Actor Wendell Pierce will be starring as B.B. King–the “King of Blues”–in an upcoming film, B.B. King and I. It's based on an encounter that aspiring drummer Michael Zanetis had with B.B. King at the back stage of Huntington Beach venue Golden Bear, after which he became lifelong friends with the king.
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Pierce established his acting career through popular television show dramas like The Wire on HBO, including movies like The Fighting Temptations and Hackers. Pierces' most recent role is that of a trombone player on HBO's television series, Treme.
On May 18th, Pierce made an official statement on Twitter about his role in the upcoming film: “I am set to play BB King in the movie “BB King and I”. Just got my Lucille. Production dates aren't set yet.”
It is said that Patrick Fugit will carry on the role of ambitious drummer Zanetis. According to collider.com, Michael Schroder will most likely direct the film with a potential movie release date of 2012. Zanetis himself is also lined up to produce the independent film which he co-wrote with Melora Donoghue.
