EPIX releases a teaser trailer for Godfather of Harlem. The crime drama focuses on the life and times of Bumpy Johnson, a real-life mafia boss who forever changed New York City’s Harlem neighborhood.
In Godfather of Harlem, American actor Forest Whitaker stars as the titular lead. Based on the series’ official premise, the narrative will explore Bumpy Johnson’s return to Harlem after 10 years in jail, and the subsequent conflict that follows as he attempts to gain control. Last September, EPIX cast Daredevil’s Vincent D’Onofrio as Vincent “The Chin” Gigante, a New York City mobster who controlled the Genovese crime family from 1981 to 2005, this coming after his rise to power during the 1950s and 1960s. Godfather of Harlem will reportedly examine Johnson’s association with the Genovese crime family, along with his business relationship with Malcolm X, who was ultimately assassinated in 1965.
On YouTube, EPIX released Godfather of Harlem’s teaser trailer. Early on, Johnson discovers that “times have changed,” but then imposes his will by pulling a shotgun from beneath his coat. A brief montage establishes the sociopolitical context for Godfather of Harlem, with the main character seemingly plotting against various opponents. The clip briefly features actor Nigél Thatch as the aforementioned Malcolm X, who delivers his famous “by any means necessary” declaration. The action intensifies in the teaser trailer’s second half, culminating with Johnson reminding that he’s been on the street for 30 years, and that he’s not going anywhere. The Godfather of Harlem clip features the song “They Don’t Love Me,” performed by Swizz Beatz and DMX, the latter of whom is know for his influence on New York City hip-hop, and for his various legal issues over the years. Check out Godfather of Harlem’s teaser trailer below.
Whitaker starred as Zuri in the 2018 film Black Panther, and won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. For his performance in the 2006 historical drama The Last King of Scotland, Whitaker earned an Academy Award for his portrayal of former Ugandan president Idi Amin. Whitaker is also an accomplished TV actor, and currently has a recurring role on the Fox musical drama Empire.
In pop culture, Godfather of Harlem’s focal subject is a familiar figure. The 1971 blaxploitation film Shaft was inspired by Johnson, and the 1979 prison thriller Escape from Alcatraz includes a character based on the famous gangster. Over the past 35 years, the films Hoodlum, Life, The Cotton Club, and Ridley Scott’s acclaimed American Gangster have also included characters inspired by Johnson.
While Godfather of Harlem’s collective cast may not match the star power of other TV series, it’s notable that the series will be co-written by Chris Brancato. Not only did he write the upcoming feature film Sherlock Holmes 3, but he’s also the co-creator of Netflix’s Narcos franchise, including the latest installment Narcos: Mexico. If Godfather of Harlem includes the same gritty realism, then this EPIX series has major potential moving forward.
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Source: EPIX
