Barack Obama Approves of Drake Playing Him in a Future Movie
Former President Barack Obama gave his and his family's seal of approval of Drake playing him in a future biopic. While President Obama left the White House almost 4 years ago, he has remained in the public eye ever since. He has constantly been asked for his opinion on current political discourse, and he has weighed in on social media and on the campaign trail for Joe Biden. Furthermore, President Obama is still referenced by many, especially when people compare him to his successor. There is no doubt that President Obama is a monumental figure, meaning a movie following his life can't be too far out.
While some rappers chose to run for the actual seat in the White House, Drake decided to take the more low-key route by suggesting that he play President Obama in a future movie about his life. Drake is best known for his rap career, but he does have acting experience from playing Jimmy Brooks in Degrassi. Several years ago, he expressed his interest in portraying President Obama when he was interviewed by Paper Magazine. Just like the former president, Drake was born to a Black father and a white mother.
In a recent interview with Speedy Morman for Complex about his newest book A Promised Land, Former President Obama was asked who he would want to play him in his biopic. He did not have anyone in mind, answering the question instead by explaining that he has seen other people try to act as him and he tries not to give it much thought. He was then asked if Drake was a viable candidate. His response was that his daughters Malia and Sasha, who are respectively 22 and 19, would definitely give their seal of approval. You can read Obama's full comment below:
Obviously I have a distinctive way of talking that folks like to exaggerate... They know how to really emphasize it. You know it's interesting, I write about this in the book. A part of the strangeness of being any kind of public figure, certainly being the president, is that there is the image of you, the projection of you, and then there's you. And those things aren't perfectly matched. And for me, what I have discovered is that it's best for me not to worry too much about how I'm being portrayed in that fictional life because I've got a real life with real responsibilities and real family that I got to take care of.
I will say this, Drake seems to be able to do anything he wants. I mean, that is a talented, talented brother and so if the time comes and he's ready.... You know what, Drake has more importantly my household's stamp of approval, I suspect Malia and Sasha would be just fine with that.
In the lengthy interview which was only four minutes short of an hour, the former president also references the new standards in media – specifically what is and is not okay to say. Obama brings up the late Sean Connery's in James Bond, which he has recently rewatched. When talking about the actor in the old film, he mentions that Connery's character was particularly misogynistic and disrespectful to women, which wasn't as clear to him before when watching the movie. But in rewatching it, he says that he sees lots of unacceptable behavior that he would not want to experience if he were a woman.
From being a compelling U.S. senator who quickly rose to fame, to be the first Black president, to having a picturesque and loving family, Barack Obama would make for an excellent subject for a biographical film. The 44th president would certainly be an interesting person to act as due to his distinct tenor, his impressive public speaking skills, and his relatable nature that helped younger people feel connected to him. The problem with making a successful biopic, though, is finding someone who can capture the magnitude of endearing historical figures. With Obama's specific tone and mannerisms, it will no doubt a challenge to play him. But it seems as though he thinks Drake is up for the task.
Source: Complex