A family-authorized George Floyd biopic titled “Daddy Changed the World” is in the works from Radar Pictures, 8 Queens Film & Media Productions and Night Fox Entertainment. Floyd’s daughter, Gianna Floyd, and her mother, Roxie Washington, are involved in the making of the film, serving as executive producers.
Gregory R. Anderson (“Stomp the Yard”) will write the screenplay for the movie, which will capture the life of the man whose murder in 2020 sparked a global racial reckoning and fueled the movement against police brutality. The film is still in search for a director. Ted Field serves as producer for Radar Pictures, alongside Dr. Kaeita Rankin for 8 Queens and Timothy Christian for Night Fox.
The 46-year-old Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020, after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and forced to lie face-down on the street. Floyd was arrested after allegedly attempting to use a counterfeit $20 bill at a store.
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While suffocating, Floyd repeatedly called out “I can’t breathe,” which became a powerful slogan of the racial justice movement. In 2021, Chauvin was put on trial and convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The following year, Chauvin was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for depriving Floyd of his constitutional rights. A federal jury also convicted three other Minneapolis police officers of violating the same criminal civil rights statute.
The biopic will apparently not portray Floyd as a perfect person, but rather a father with human flaws, whose horrific death changed the world. It will not be a traditional biopic, more a “gritty drama of a man and his community thrust into the fiery light of history,” according to a press release.
Washington said in a statement, “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.”
She added: “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.”
“The killing of George Floyd was a tragic, shameful moment in our nation’s history,” Night Fox’s Christian added in a statement. “His story, while painful, deserves to be told and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
Rankin added, “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.”
Deadline broke the news.
