HBO Pushing Diversity Initiative with Viola Davis as Harriet Tubman

Award-winning actress Viola Davis is officially onboard to star in a project for HBO that will depict the life and times of Harriet Tubman who is revered for the role she played to secure the mass freedom of slaves utilizing the Underground Railroad system.

The movie is still in the early stages of development and is based on Kate Clifford Larson’s book, “Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman: Portrait of an American Hero”.
Davis is making this a family affair as she will produce alongside hubby, Julius Tennon. The untitled film will most likely begin production sometime next year to coincide with Davis’ break from filming ABC’s How to Get Away With Murder.
This should be a perfect fit for Davis considering the iconic characteristics of Tubman after she managed to escape slavery in Maryland in 1849. She went on to initiate the release of hundreds in captivity and even served in the Civil War as a cook and nurse.
With a slate populating with telepics (Queen Latifah’s Bessie and Kerry Washington’s Anita Hill) centered on black women who have contributed enough to be considered noteworthy, HBO’s diversity initiative seems to be roaring with determination. Of course it helps that other networks and streaming providers have adequately proven unbeatable power of investing in shows with a multi-ethnic cast.

The industry took notes by observing the performance of ultimate box office champion, Furious 7, after it shattered the box-office beyond belief due to its infectious global appeal, which most attributed to the vibrantly sprinkled cast.
Money talks and right now it’s speaking in color.