Spielberg to Make MLK Movie

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - For the first time, Hollywood will have the rights to make a movie about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A big named director is lined up to possibly make it happen. But will the Bluff City land a role?

Right now, Dreamworks Studios has only acquired life rights to the King story. Executives in Los Angeles tell me it's too early to talk about what will happen next. Memphis is welcoming the movie with open arms.

More than 40 years after his death on the balcony of a Memphis motel, Hollywood movie executives have decided to take Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life to the silver screen.

"I think it's a very good idea," says Bonnie Hines, of New Jersey.

Dreamworks Studios has acquired life rights. The deal marks the first time that a film has been authorized by The King Estate. Steven Spielberg is one of the Hollywood producers. Some say it's been a long time coming.

"Anything perfect takes time, so he took his time, and i think its time for it to be seen," says Spielberg.

A movie is expected to do more than just put Memphis in the Hollywood spotlight, its guaranteed to bring more visits to the museum.

"We see an increase in visitors because they want to get the full story, and the whole story, not just what Hollywood has shown them in two hours, so for us that's the most exciting part," says Gwen Harmon, with the National Civil Rights Museum.

Harmon says the museum plans to fully cooperate with producers to shoot scenes at the Lorraine Motel, if they decide on the Bluff City.

"So there is no reason they could go anyplace else and tell the king story and not come to Memphis, and make it a part of it," says Harmon.

Linn Sitler, with the Memphis and Shelby County Film Commission, says money could play a role in producers' decide about where to film.

"The problem is our state filming incentives have not kept up with the competition, back in 2006 they were competitive, but not now," says Sitler.

While she hopes Memphis lands a major role in the movie, she says the city is ready to take on a movie of this magnitude.

So who will play the coveted role of Dr. King in the Spielberg movie? Check out our poll on the homepage.