Bumpy Johnson is one of the most notorious gangsters of all time. The Harlem crime lord reigned for years, and his legend has inspired movies and shows. As reported by Deadline, Forest Whitaker is set to take on the role of the legendary mobster for a new series entitled Godfather Of Harlem. The series will premiere via Epix. Whitaker is also set to produce the drama.
The series will follow Bumpy Johnson in the 60's after he is released from a 10-year jail sentence. Seeing Harlem in the hands of the Genovese crime family, Johnson moves to rebuild his neighborhood and reclaim glory. During his fight for Harlem, Johnson allies with Malcolm X, who will be played by Nigél Thatch. Thatch played X in Selma, and his performance was widely lauded. Deadline writes, "Thatch’s Malcolm X is a former Harlem hustler who becomes the prime spokesman for the Nation of Islam and a world-wide icon. His former street mentor Bumpy Johnson will become his closest friend, confidant, and protector against a score of enemies."
Narcos co-creator Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein are behind the production of Godfather of Harlem. Vincent D’Onofrio, Ilfenesh Hadera, and Antoinette Crowe-Legacy will also star in the series.