Many actors yearn to step behind the camera and try their hands at directing, and it seems that Michael B. Jordan will be the latest actor to climb aboard the directing train. Deadline reports that Jordan is set to make his feature directorial debut with an adaptation of David Barclay Moore's "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" after Endeavor Content acquired the rights for the actor.
Taking place in the wake of his brother's death, "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" follows a young African American youth who tries to steer a safe path through the projects in Harlem, aided by his imagination and the magic of Legos. "Directing has been an area I’ve wanted to explore for some time now," said Jordan. "The Stars Beneath Our Feet tells a story that really spoke to me, and I’m looking forward to jumping behind the camera. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some very smart and talented directors and it inspired me to take on this new challenge." In addition to directing, Michael B. Jordan will also produce the film which is to be scripted by David Barclay Moore.
Michael B. Jordan has certainly been quite busy lately, with several big projects on the horizon. The actor recently wrapped Ramin Bahrani's (99 HOMES) HBO adaptation of Ray Bradbury's classic novel "Fahrenheit 451" which takes place in a dystopian future in which media is an opiate, history is outlawed, and "firemen" burn books. Jordan plays Montag, a young fireman who forsakes his world, battles his mentor and struggles to regain his humanity, with Michael Shannon filling the role of Beatty, Montag’s fireman captain and mentor. Jordan will also be playing Erik Killmonger in Ryan Coogler's upcoming BLACK PANTHER, a Wakandan exile who seeks to overthrow T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman), and is also expected to reprise the role of Adonis Creed in Sylvester Stallone's CREED sequel.
A synopsis for "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" via Amazon:
It’s Christmas Eve in Harlem, but twelve-year-old Lolly Rachpaul and his mom aren’t celebrating. They’re still reeling from his older brother’s death in a gang-related shooting just a few months earlier. Then Lolly’s mother’s girlfriend brings him a gift that will change everything: two enormous bags filled with Legos. Lolly’s always loved Legos, and he prides himself on following the kit instructions exactly. Now, faced with a pile of building blocks and no instructions, Lolly must find his own way forward. His path isn’t clear—and the pressure to join a “crew,” as his brother did, is always there. When Lolly and his friend are beaten up and robbed, joining a crew almost seems like the safe choice. But building a fantastical Lego city at the community center provides Lolly with an escape—and an unexpected bridge back to the world.
Michael B. Jordan will next be seen in BLACK PANTHER on February 16, 2018.