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The Help stars join James Brown biopic

Los Angeles - Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer will star in James Brown biopic Get On Up.

The Help director Tate Taylor has cast two of the stars of his hit 2011 film in his latest project about the legendary soul singer, to be played by Chadwick Boseman.

Davis is expected to play the late star's mother Susie Brown, who gave birth to James at just 16 and abandoned her child, leaving him with relatives. Meanwhile, Spencer will play the star's aunt, Honey, who helped raise him.

Critically acclaimed cast and crew

Davis, Spencer and co-star Jessica Chastain all earned Oscar nominations for their roles in the critically acclaimed Help, with Spencer going on to win Best Supporting Actress, as well as a BAFTA for her portrayal of maid Minny Jackson.

The Universal-produced film will begin production in Mississippi in November.

As well as heavyweight pedigree on screen, Sir Mick Jagger is on board as a producer through his Jagged Films production company. Imagine Entertainment will also handle production.

The script was penned by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth and Steven Baigelman. Lead actor Boseman recently portrayed legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson in Warner Bros.' biopic 42.

One of the greatest artists of all time

James Brown is credited with bringing funk music to the forefront of American culture during his six decade career, with hit songs including I Got You (I Feel Good) and Papa's Got a Brand New Bag.

The music star - who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and ranked seventh in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest artists of all time - died from congestive heart failure and pneumonia in 2006.

Davis and Spencer at last year's Academy Awards:

Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer
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