Several years since his death in 2006, James Brown is about to follow in the footsteps of other acclaimed musicians like Ray Charles and Johnny Cash by having his remarkable life be turned into a film.

Entitled Get On Up (after one of his hit songs), the biopic drama will focus on the flamboyant singer who was best known for other renowned tunes like “I Feel Good” and “Living in America”.

Tipped as a possible awards contender next year, its official trailer has now premiered online.

Newcomer Chadwick Boseman (42) plays the role of Brown with the plot focusing on his rise to musical stardom as well as his struggles with drug abuse.

The film also features a strong presence of collaborators from the Oscar-winning drama The Help (2011) which include director Tate Taylor and actors Octavia Spencer (Fruitvale Station) and Viola Davis (Doubt, Prisoners) in the respective roles of Brown’s aunt and mother.

Jill Scott (The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency) and Dan Akyroyd (The Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters) also star in the film which is scheduled for release on October 17th.