February 10, 2012

A movie about the life of Soul Train creator Don Cornelius is now in the works, following the recent tragic suicide of the TV host.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cornelius had worked tirelessly for years to develop a movie about the TV show he created and the stars that graced its stage. Word is Cornelius' death has generated new interest in the picture he failed to get off the ground.

Cornelius, 75, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on February 1 at his Los Angeles home. His son, Tony, says he had been upset over various ailments and the collapse in 2009 of his second marriage.

Soul Train was created in 1970, at a time when African American entertainers struggled for air time. Cornelius produced the show until 2008, when he sold it to MadVision Entertainment.

"He wanted to do a buddy action comedy, like Rush Hour set in the world of Soul Train,' says Warner Bros. insider. When that idea failed to get traction, Cornelius' friend, Dead Presidents producer Darryl Porter, says Cornelius tried for years to come up with a story for a dance flick, but a script that was turned in 'was not the kind of movie Warners was going to make.'

Kenard Gibbs, CEO of Soul Train Holdings, current producers of the still syndicated show, says the company is now putting its energy into developing the film Cornelius always wanted.

'Certainly we want to proceed in a way that will highlight the contribution of Don to the creation of the brand and its subsequent impact on American culture," he says.

A memorial for Don Cornelius is planned for next week.

(Photo by PR Photos)

Report a Typo or Correction. Thank you.