Who should play John Coltrane?
They could go the unknown route and cast someone we’ve never heard of, which I guess is fine, as I’m not expecting the cast to be star-studded from top to bottom. It’s not “Ocean’s 11.” Off the top of my head I like Isaiah Washington, Hill Harper, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mekhi Phifer and Delroy Lindo – but I don’t know if any of them scream John Coltrane. I’m sure I’m forgetting others, but I’m just riffin’ here. I also like Bokeem Woodbine, both for his cool name and his role as Fathead Newman in “Ray.” How about Common? He’s appeared in flicks like “American Gangster” and “Smokin’ Aces” and definitely has charisma. Look, the John Coltrane character might only be on screen for 5 minutes, but it’s still an important part! OK, what about Harry J. Lennix? He’s a good actor. I’m a fan. And whether or not musicians from the First and Second Great Quintets (besides Coltrane) will be featured prominently remains to be seen, yet one would have to imagine the likes of Charlie Parker, George Avakian,
