Whitaker lands Armstrong role

Forest Whitaker is delighted to land the lead role in a new Louis Armstrong biopic after winning the approval of the late star's estate.

The actor will play the legendary jazz musician in the upcoming movie and will also direct the picture.

"Armstrong left a monumental mark on our lives and our culture," said Whitaker.

"He lived an amazing life and, through his art, shifted the way music was played and would be heard after him, not just here in the US but all over the world."

Armstrong died of a heart attack in 1971.