Jill Scott Joins Cast of James Brown Biopic

R&B singer Jill Scott has signed on to star in the James Brown biopic titled 'Get On Up.' Filmmaker Tate Taylor, who helmed 'The Help,' is directing the movie, which is being produced by Imagine Entertainment honchos Brian Grazer and Erica Huggins.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Scott will play the late Godfather of Soul’s wife in the movie, which is being written specifically for her.

The biopic chronicles the life and career of James Brown (played by actor Chadwick Boseman) -- from his humble beginnings in Georgia through his rise to stardom in R&B/soul music. The singer’s battle with drug addiction, his run-ins with the law and his financial struggles will also be examined in the movie as well.

In addition to Scott, Dan Aykroyd has join the cast to play Ben Bart, the president of Universal Attractons, which repped Brown for over four decades.

Also starring in the film is Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis ('The Help') and Lennie James ('Colombiana').

Production is set to being in November. The movie is scheduled to arrive in theaters on Oct. 17, 2014.

Congrats to Jill Scott!