The new trailer for Dolemite Is My Name!, a new Netflix original feature based on the life and legacy of Rudy Ray Moore, was nothing but dynamite.
What We Know:
- The new film starring Eddie Murphy tells a story about how Moore, a comedian, singer, actor and film producer, launched a film career with his well-known role in Dolemite (1975).
- Perfecting his skills by performing in comedy clubs, Moore released a slew of comedy albums starting with 1959’s “Below the Belt,” which wasn’t as popular as the trio albums “Eat Out More Often,” “This Pussy Belongs to Me,” and “The Dirty Dozens” released between 1970 to 1971.
- Although these albums were not marketed on mainstream because of explicit depictions of sex acts and violence, it gained popularity within the African American community. Unable to find work in Hollywood, Moore used the money he made to fund the movie that ultimately became Dolemite.
- The success of Dolemite led to multiple sequels starting with The Human Tornado. Moore appeared in about 20 feature films within his 30+ year career, including the 1997 comedy B*A*P*S starring Halle Berry.
- Dolemite Is My Name! set to premiere in the fall on Netflix and in select theaters. It was directed by Hustle and Flow director Craig Brewer and written by Golden Globe and Emmy Award winners Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski (Ed Wood, American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson).
The film also stars Chris Rock, Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, Keegan-Michael Key, Luenell, Wesley Snipes, Tituss Burgess, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
