Giancarlo Esposito has joined Forest Whitaker’s Epix drama, “Godfather of Harlem.”
The actor, best known for his role as drug kingpin Gus Fring on AMC’s “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” will play Adam Clayton Powell.
A Baptist minister, Harlem Congressman, and a man of many appetites, Powell is a legendary Harlem figure who more than any other New Yorker advanced the cause of civil rights at home and in Washington. With a taste for European cruises at taxpayer’s expense, whiskey and milk, and beautiful women, Powell is an outrageous showman who delights in tweaking the white power structure. His running feud with Bumpy Johnson becomes the stuff of lore and legend.
Whitaker, who will executive produce the drama, will play Bumpy Johnson, the crime boss who took on Genovese family in the 1960s after returning from a stint in prison to discover his old neighborhood in shambles.
The series comes from “Narcos” creator Chris Brancato and producer Paul Eckstein.
The 10-episode series, from ABC Signature Studios, will also be executive produced by Nia Yang Bongiovi of Whitaker’s Significant Productions banner, James Acheson and Markuann Smith. Brancato will serve as showrunner.