A film about a young Barack Obama — focusing on his New York years in 1981 — has zeroed in on its lead actors. Newcomer Devon Terrell will make his big-screen debut playing the young Obama, and “The Witch” star Anya Taylor-Joy has been cast as a fellow Columbia University student who forged an important relationship with the future president.
“Barry” (using Obama’s longtime youthful nickname) is expected to begin filming in April, directed by Vikram Gandhi, who made the documentary “Kumare.”
As first reported by the Hollywood Reporter, “Barry” will feature a screenplay written by Adam Mansbach, best known for the faux kids’ book “Go the F— to Sleep” and his novel about race, “Angry Black White Boy.”
“Barry” follows on the heels of another young Obama movie. “Southside With You,” filmed in Chicago last year and produced by Robert Teitel and directed by Richard Tanne, premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival. It stars Parker Sawyers and Tika Sumpter as the young Barack and Michelle Obama, seen in the early days of their budding romance. Acquired by Miramax and Roadside Attractions, it is expected to be released later this year.