Josh Gad Boards Biopic of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall

Deadline reports that Josh Gad will star opposite Chadwick Boseman in Reginald Hudlin's upcoming biopic about Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. The Tony nominee will portray insurance lawyer Sam Friedman who teams with Marshall on what becomes a controversial and high-profile case.

According to the site, the character is based on the real-life Friedman who was chosen to work with Marshall on a case involving the defense of a black chauffeur named Joseph Spell against his wealthy employer. Spell faced an alleged sexual assault and attempted murder trial which was to be held in a conservative court in Greenwich, CT.

The description reads: "In need of a high profile victory but muzzled by a segregationist court, the young Jewish insurance lawyer (who has never tried a case) and Marshall struggle against a hostile storm of fear and prejudice as they fight for truth. The controversial case, which made headlines all over New York, prompted the NAACP's national headquarters to become involved; the NAACP's local chapter in Bridgeport is the office that actually hired the white Friedman to help Marshall. It is a key case in the history of this country and helped set the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement."

Gad will lend his voice to the upcoming animated film ANGRY BIRDS. He will also portray 'Le Feu' in Disney's live-action BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, hitting theaters on March 17, 2017. His Broadway credits include BOOK OF MORMON, for which he received a Tony nomination, and THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE.