After years of speculation, Universal Studios finally announced its upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. biopic based on Jonathan Eig’s biography King: A Life. Chris Rock is currently in final talks to act as the director and producer, and Steven Spielberg is set to be executive producer.

Eig’s biography dives deep into King’s life, illustrating the world-renowned civil rights activist’s complicated life as he navigated a racist America. Nominated for a National Book Award, King: A Life has been hailed as King’s definitive biography due to its previously untapped sources highlighting his efforts as he struggles with his issues and the FBI hounding him. Overall, it shows a picture of a man who became a national hero despite being reviled during his day.

Rock had previously shown his expertise in not only the era but also in directing. In 2014, he led the comedy-drama Top Five’s production, which earned incredible critical acclaim at TIFF. Top Five follows an alcoholic comedian (Rock) as he struggles with his past career and a profile writer from The New York Times (Rosario Dawson). Later, Top Five would get a wider release after Paramount bought it for international distribution.

Rock also co-starred in the recent drama Rustin alongside Colman Domingo. The George C. Wolfe production also follows the civil rights movement from the perspective of activist Bayard Rustin, who helped organize the 1963 March on Washington. Rock plays NAACP leader Roy Wilkins, who reluctantly follows along with Rustin’s efforts in the now iconic march. Produced by Higher Ground, Rustin also made a big splash in TIFF and will be released on Netflix on November 17, 2023.

The King biopic will be overseen by Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones. Currently, there is no word about its production and release dates.