Authorized George Floyd Biopic ‘Daddy Changed The World’ In Works From Radar Pictures, 8 Queens Film And Media, Night Fox Entertainment

EXCLUSIVE: Radar Pictures (Jumanji, The Last Samurai), 8 Queens Film & Media Productions (The Dirty Third: Next Generation, Cutman), and Night Fox Entertainment (Z for Zachariah, Wildling) are partnering on George Floyd: Daddy Changed the World, a family-authorized biopic of Floyd, capturing the life of the man who has become a symbol against police brutality and racial injustice.

Set to pen the screenplay is Gregory R. Anderson, who’s best known for the box office hit Stomp the Yard and being a producer on the current series The Family Business on Netflix and The Black Hamptons at BET Networks/Paramount Global. Currently in search of a director, Ted Field will produce for Radar Pictures, alongside Dr. Kaeita Rankin for 8 Queens, and Timothy Christian for Night Fox. News of the project comes ahead of the fourth anniversary of Floyd’s horrific murder, which is this Saturday, May 25th.

Floyd was, of course, the 46-year-old African American man whose death at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, sparked a global movement against police brutality and systemic racism. Daddy Changed the World promises to be a compelling and impactful portrayal of Floyd, offering a deeper understanding of his life. He will not be portrayed as a perfect person, we’re told, but as one with flaws and many layers like all of us. The narrative will also address the harrowing events leading to his murder by a police officer, an incident that sparked global protests and a renewed call for justice. The project will not be a straightforward biopic, but a gritty drama of a man and his community thrust into the fiery light of history.

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The incident leading to Floyd’s death began when a convenience store clerk called the police, alleging that Floyd had used a counterfeit $20 bill. Officers arrived and detained Floyd, who was handcuffed and pinned to the ground by Officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin kneeled on Floyd’s neck for approximately nine minutes, despite Floyd repeatedly saying he couldn’t breathe, and the video went viral, leading to widespread protests across the United States and around the world.

Chauvin and three other officers involved in the arrest were fired the day after Floyd’s death. Chauvin was later charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. In April 2021, he was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to 22.5 years in prison. The other three officers faced charges related to aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter.

Floyd’s daughter Gianna Floyd and her mother Roxie Washington will serve as exec producers on Daddy Changed the World, ensuring the film’s authenticity and heartfelt connection to Floyd’s true story.

“The killing of George Floyd was a tragic, shameful moment in our nation’s history,” said Night Fox’s Christian in a statement to Deadline. “His story, while painful, deserves to be told and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”

Stated Rankin of 8 Queens, “I am committed to using my platform and talents to make a positive impact in the world. By telling George Floyd’s story and shedding light on the injustices faced by marginalized communities, I hope to inspire change and create a better future for generations to come. George Floyd’s legacy will not be forgotten, and I am honored to be a part of this important project.”

Added Washington, “We are excited the world will see the real, jovial, and loving George we know. This film will humanize him, embody the essence of his life, and hopefully reignite efforts to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It’s time for justice and equality for all.”

Washington went on to emphasize that “We need to make changes swiftly. No other child should lose their father like Gianna did. We thank everyone who stood with us and protested. George’s legacy will live on through this film.”

Radar Pictures is represented by Buchwald.

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