October 9, 2008 15:23

Forest Whitaker to play Louis Armstrong in biopic

Oscar winner to play the role of the jazz great

Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker is set to play the part of the late jazz great Louis Armstrong in a new Armstrong biopic, 'What A Wonderful World'.

The film, named after Armstrong's most famous song, has been officially approved by his estate.

Ron Bass will act as executive producer for the film, while Alain Goldman and Edward R. Pressman will produce it.

Variety reports that the film will concentrate on Armstrong's early years in New Orleans.

"Armstrong left a monumental mark on our lives and our culture," Whitaker said. "He lived an amazing life and, through his art, shifted the way music was played and would be heard after him, not just here in the US but all over the world."

Filming for 'What A Wonderful World' will begin next summer.

Whitaker won the Best Actor Oscar in 2007 for his portrayal of Ugandan leader Idi Amin in 'The Last King Of Scotland'.