HBO is close to casting ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER actor Benjamin Walker in its upcoming Muhammad Ali telepic about the boxing legend's fight with the Supreme Court, Variety's Stuart Levine and Jeff Sneider report. Story for MUHAMMAD ALI'S GREATEST FIGHT is the boxer's battle with the Supreme Court over his Muslim beliefs as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War. Ali was convicted by a Houston court in 1967 and spent three years exiled from the ring as his case journeyed to through the court system. Set to be directed by Stephen Frears, the film will utilize actual footage of Ali and not cast an actor to play him. If the deal comes together, WALKER would play Kevin Kennedy, a Supreme Court clerk who championed the issue and wrote the briefs that ultimately resulted in approving Ali's status as a conscientious objector. Last week Christopher Plummer signed on to play Supreme Court judge John Marshall Harlan. Frank Langella was also added and will play Chief Justice Warren Burger.
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