Forest Whitaker is infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson in Godfather of Harlem. After spending 10 years in prison, Bumpy comes back to the neighborhood he once ruled only to find an Italian mob family running the joint.
Forest Whitaker Takes On Italian Mob Family In New 10-Episode Series on EPIX
As described by EPIX, Godfather of Harlem is inspired by actual persons and events, Godfather of Harlem reimagines the story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Academy Award®- winner Forest Whitaker), who in the early 1960s returned from a decade in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles.
Set in 1963 in Harlem New York, after being released from prison, Bumpy Johnson has to face the Genovese crime family while trying to regain control of his old neighborhood.
During the brutal battle, Bumpy Johnson forms an alliance with radical preacher Malcolm X (Thatch). Catching Malcolm’s political rise in the crosshairs of social upheaval and a mob war that threatens to tear the city apart.
Check out the trailer below.
Godfather of Harlem is a collision of the civil rights movement and the criminal underworld during one of the most tumultuous times in American history.
According to TV Insider, During his exhaustive research, one visit was to Johnson’s former heavy who was in a nursing home. Of that visit, Whitaker stated –
“Bumpy’s bodyguard told me he was a unique type of gangster, somebody willing to get his hands dirty. He would get out of his car and engage in an actual gun battle.”
“He was ruthless — he killed people — but also sensitive, especially with his [drug addict] daughter.”
Cast Members Include –
- Forest Whitaker as Crime Boss Bumpy Johnson
- Nigel Thatch as Malcolm X
- Vincent D’Onofrio
- Giancarlo Esposito
- Kelvin Harrison, Jr.
- Ilfenesh Hadera
- Antoinette Crow-Legacy
- Lucy Fry
- Paul Sorvino
- Rafi Gavron
- Katherine Narducci
Produced by ABC Signature Studios, the 10-episode series will launch on EPIX and EPIX NOW.
Not only is Whitaker starring in this series, he also serves as an Executive Producer. Incidentally, Johnson died in 1968. Season One of Godfather of Harlem premieres tonight, September 29th.
For more Entertainment News check us out at drenchedinblack.com. It’s your brand new destination for hot black celebrity news.