A King for Four Legends

Regina King's directorial debut depicting legendary figures, makes her unstoppable!

By Janelle Lee Austin

October 20, 2024

There are definitely challenges to being a child star, but if you have a solid support system and play your cards right, the rewards can be incredible. Just look at Jodie Foster and Ron Howard—they both started young, learning the ins and outs of the business early on, which set them up for powerhouse careers as directors. Their ability to adapt to the changing industry is something that’s hard to achieve when you come into it later in life.

The same is true for Regina King, who began her career at 13 on the hit TV show 227. I loved the dynamic between her character and her TV mom—it was a show I looked forward to every week. Then, to see her pop up in classics like Boyz n the Hood and Friday was such a cool surprise. She carried both comedy and drama effortlessly, which made it even more exciting when she transitioned behind the camera to direct the masterpiece One Night in Miami.

King's directorial debut is a perfect example of how being immersed in the industry from a young age can sharpen storytelling skills. The film is dialogue-heavy, but she brings out emotional, thought-provoking beats that make every scene stand out. Through smart casting, visually poetic cinematography, and perfectly placed music, she created an unforgettable experience.

Casting actors to play real-life legends is no easy feat—you need people who not only resemble these icons but can also channel their spirit. Kimberly Hardin, casting director, nailed it with a lineup that felt authentic through and through. Kingsley Ben-Adir as Malcolm X, Eli Goree as Cassius Clay, Aldis Hodge as Jim Brown, and Leslie Odom Jr. as Sam Cooke—each actor made me believe I was watching the real person, not just a performance.

Visually, the film is stunning. The use of lighting is carefully planned, making the concert scenes feel alive and the quiet moments in the hotel room intimate and raw. The cinematography is both vibrant and soft, with a color palette that makes every frame pop. It’s clear that every detail—from camera movement to post-production color grading—was handled with care to elevate the emotional weight of the story.

And then there’s the music. You can’t tell a story with Sam Cooke as a central figure without making music a key part of the narrative. The soundtrack, blending soul, R&B, and even a touch of Bob Dylan, ties everything together beautifully. My favorite scene is when Cooke performs “A Change Is Gonna Come” on live television. As the song plays, we see Cassius becoming Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown stepping into his new role as an actor, and Malcolm X's house being burned—it's a haunting, emotional sequence that ends in a single tear before we’re reminded of Malcolm’s assassination

One Night in Miami offers a fictionalized glimpse into what might have happened during that legendary night, imagined by writer Kemp Powers. It tackles heavy themes—redemption, brotherhood, compassion, and love—with care. Watching it was a moving experience, and I’m so grateful to have finally seen this film. It’s a true testament to how child stars like Regina King, Jodie Foster, and Ron Howard have evolved into some of the most impactful storytellers in Hollywood today.