Variety Magazine says Forest Whitaker is slated to direct and star in a Louis Armstrong Biopic entitled What a Wonderful World. This film is the first of its kind to be authorized by the Louis Armstrong estate.

The film will begin during Louis Armstrong's early years in New Orleans when he was impoverished and document his career as a trumpet player and improvisational jazz singer. Ron Bass will write and executive produce the project along with Oscar Cohen. Oscar Cohen is granting exclusive access to his own personal accounts as Louis Armstrong's road manager in the late 1940's. Alain Goldman and Edward R. Pressman will also produce. Filming is scheduled to begin in Louisianna for summer 2009.

Pictured: Forest Whitaker

To view the Variety article, click here.