Billy Porter Will Portray James Baldwin in Upcoming Biopic

Watch James Baldwin on "The Dick Cavett Show" in 1969.

"Pose" star Billy Porter is set to take on playing towering literary figure and gay icon James Baldwin in a biopic based on the life of the legendary novelist, essayist and activist.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Porter will star and help write the script for the production through Byron Allen's Allen Media Group Motion Pictures.

Theater and screenwriter Dan McCabe will also write assist on the script, which will be based on David Leeming's 1994 book "James Baldwin: A Biography."

Porter has quoted Baldwin in many places and times, including during his 2019 Emmy-winning acceptance speech.

"The deep dive into Baldwin's life and struggles represents the culmination of a long-held creative ambition for the Emmy-, Tony- and Grammy Award-winning performer, who is one Oscar short of an EGOT," THR reports.

Porter added in a statement, "As a Black queer man on this planet with relative consciousness, I find myself, like James Baldwin said, 'in a rage all the time.' I am because James was. I stand on James Baldwin's shoulders, and I intend to expand his legacy for generations to come."

Baldwin's best-known books include "Go Tell It on the Mountain," "Notes of a Native Son," "Another Country and "The Fire Next Time." They have all served as inspiration for films, including Barry Jenkins' "If Beale Street Could Talk" and Raoul Peck's "I Am Not Your Negro" documentary.

"Billy Porter and Dan McCabe's talent and commitment to amplifying James Baldwin's legacy and contributions are invaluable and unmatched for this unique and epic story," said Allen, chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group, in a statement.

Together, Porter and McCabe sold their original TV idea "Fruits of Thy Labor" to Peacock, with Greg Berlanti and Warner Bros. Television Studios producing.