While promoting her role in the hit film Olympus Has Fallen, Golden Globe winning actress Angela Bassett dished on what's going on with the Waiting To Exhale sequel. Find out what she said inside....
Golden Globe winner Angela Bassett talked to HuffPost Black Voices about her most recent hit movie Olympus Has Fallen and also revealed the status of the Waiting To Exhale sequel and her thoughts on the continuation of Whitney Houston's"Savannah character". Also, she revealed which historical figure she hopes to portray one day. Here are the highlights:
On your latest film, “Olympus Has Fallen.” Can talk about your role as Lynn Jacobs?
I play Lynn Jacobs the director of the secret service. She’s the ex-boss of Gerard Butler character “Mike Banning.” There’s never been a female head of the Secret Service, much less a woman of color. It really was a bold casting choice, because generally the role is dominated by men and testosterone. But sometimes with women in movies, we can show our best selves, and in this one we show that we’re real capable women. Myself, Melissa Leo as Secretary of Defense, which is another role that hasn’t been played by a woman. But there’s a level of commitment, integrity and strength in the roles. The film is so authentic.
Terry McMillian shared her thoughts on the sequel to “Waiting to Exhale,” and revealed that the film’s producers were still up in the air about Whitney Houston’s character, “Savannah Jackson.” What’s the latest status?
They’re still writing. One of our original producers, from the first “Exhale,” is on board. So that’s a good sign, but they’re still working on the script. It’s just how to deal with it [Whitney’s loss]. And probably the best way to deal with it is just deal with it. It’s like what happens in life, in a way. Life is about life in passing, living and dying, winning and losing. So that’s what I know so far.
If the producers decide to proceed with the storyline of “Savannah,” is there anyone that you would like to see play the character?
Not off the top of my head. That would be interesting for the fans to decide. I wonder if they [the producers] have done any outreach that way. Who would the fans like to see, or what they would like to see. I don’t feel like replacing that character is the most respectful way to go, because in my heart I love Whitney and her work and the time that we shared together. Her role and her presence was just so important. I have a hard time replacing someone else in her shoes. I guess they wouldn’t have to do that. We would have to just come up with a brand new friend.
You have portrayed some of history’s most prominent figures. Is there anyone else on your wish list?
I want to play some made up people now! [Laughs] I’m ready for some fiction…But I think there was a time when I was interested in playing Bessie Coleman, someone a lot of people don’t know of. She was the first African-American female aviator. But that was a period piece that never got off the ground. But fiction is in my future.
Check out the full interview over at Huff Post.
Angela is currently filming Black Nativity with Mary J. Blige, Nas, Tyrese, and Jennifer Hudson. That film hits theaters in November.