Whitaker to direct Louis Armstrong biopic

Forest Whitaker is set to direct and star in “What a Wonderful World,” a biopic based on the life of Louis Armstrong, according to Variety.

The trade says the film will kick off during the musician’s impoverished early years in New Orleans and primarily chronicle his career as a trumpet virtuoso and improvisational singer.

Whitaker will direct a script by Ronald Bass, screenwriter of “My Best Friend’s Wedding.”

"Armstrong left a monumental mark on our lives and our culture," Whitaker told Variety.

This is not the first time Whitaker will take on a Jazz project. In 1988, the filmmaker starred as Charlie “Bird” Parker in Clint Eastwood’s “Bird.”

Whitaker’s directing credits include 2004’s comedy “First Daughter.” He most recently starred in “Street Kings.” Upcoming projects include “Powder Blue” and “Repossession Mambo.”

Sounds like an interesting project. But will Whitaker be able to match Taylor Hackford’s fabulous biopic “Ray”? We shall see…