Chadwick Boseman as James Brown

Chadwick Boseman must be feeling pretty good. Last year he stepped into the baseball shoes of the legendary Jackie Robinson in 42. Now he’s putting away the cleats and slipping on some dancing shoes as he takes on the role of another black icon: The Godfather of Soul, James Brown. As we reported last October, Boseman will be appearing in the James Brown biopic, Get On Up alongside Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis (the former an Academy Award winner, and the latter a nominee – both for The Help). Now you can see Boseman in action as the Sex Machine himself in the film’s first trailer.

Besides Boseman, Spencer, Davis, other cast members include Nelson Ellis (also of The Help), Jill Scott (Why Did I Get Married Too?), Keith Robinson (Dreamgirls), and Dan Akroyd (pick something). The Help alumni are probably no coincidence as that film’s director, Tate Taylor is also the man behind Get On Up.

James Brown’s life is pretty damn film worthy. In addition to his larger than life stage persona, which included (among other things) capes, thrones, crowns, and fake heart attacks; his numerous hit songs, which include (among others) “I Got You (I Feel Good),” “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” and the song that inspired the film’s title: “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine.” I addition to all that, Brown’s insane dance moves inspired the likes of Michael Jackson, Usher, and Justin Timberlake (among others).

Get On Up is produced by Universal and comes out August 1st. Check out the trailer below: