American actor Wesley Snipes has been roped in to play James Brown in a movie about his life, says director Spike Lee. The moviemaker insists he'll be using Brown's vocals in the film, rather than ask the Blade star Snipes to mimic the singer.

"I want to hear James Brown's voice. That's just my personal taste," Lee told MTV News. The announcement was made at the Sundance Film Festival about the project that is "going to happen."

Following the demise of Brown on Christmas Day 2006, Lee bought the movie's rights with Paramount Pictures. Snipes, who was convicted of federal income tax evasion last year, is free pending an appeal and remains director Lee's first choice to play the late soul man.

Brown was an American entertainer (singer and dancer), who is recognized as one of the most influential figures in 20th century popular music and was renowned for his vocals and feverish dancing.