Viola Davis to Star in Harriet Tubman Movie for HBO

Deadline writes that VIOLA Davis will portray the iconic Harriet Tubman in an upcoming film for HBO.

Writer Kirk Ellis is adapting Kate Clifford Larson's BOUND FOR THE PROMISE LAND, which "tells the story of American hero Harriet Tubman. Born a slaev, she escaped and, via an intricate escape network of secret routes and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad, she led more than 300 slaves to freedom in the North and later fought with the Union during the Civil War."

Ellis also wrote the script for HBO's Emmy-winning miniseries JOHN ADAMS.

Doug Ellin and Steven Spielberg's Amblin TV are producing. Among Amblin's past credits are HBO's BAND OF BROTHERS and THE PACIFIC, plus the forthcoming adaptation of the Broadway play ALL THE WAY, starring Bryan Cranston.

Davis currently stars in the TV series HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER and has appeared on the big screen in GET ON UP, THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY: THEM, ENDER'S, GAME, PRISONERS, EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE, THE HELP, DOUBT and more.

A two-time Tony winner, the actress has also starred on Broadway in FENCES, KING HEDLEY II and SEVEN GUITARS. Among her off-Broadway credits are INTIMATE APPAREL, THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES, EVERYBODY'S RUBY, PERICLES and GOD'S HEART.