Chris Rock Is Going To Be 'My Black Friend'

In what sounds like a racially fueled sequel to "I Love You, Man," Chris Rock will play the titular new companion to GQ writer Devin Friedman in the film adaptation of Friedman's 2008 article, "Will You Be My Black Friend?" The magazine feature documented the writer's attempt to find an African-American friend via an ad on Craigslist.

The article was somewhat inspired by Barack Obama's presidential bid. As Friedman wrote in his original ad (reprinted in the magazine), "We could have a black president, and still not have a very mixed country." Referencing the sitting president too, he noted that he was uncomfortable having the same amount of black friends as George Bush.

Interestingly enough, another person mentioned in the article, Oprah Winfrey, is producing the adaptation through her Harpo Films shingle. In the introduction, Winfrey is name checked as a pseudo black friend to many white women in her audience. Winfrey, through Harpo, is also producing "Precious," the Sundance darling that is already fostering a lot of Oscar buzz with its raw story and believable performances.

Though Rock is set to star in "Black Friend," the main character will have to be the white, married journalist modeled after Friedman. I would love to see Paul Rudd cast in that role. Sure, it'd make this seem even more like a sequel to "I Love You, Man," but he is so perfect and hilarious at playing awkward white guys. Is there anyone more appropriate for the part?

I'd hate to see one of Rock's "SNL" buddies, like David Spade or Adam Sandler, cast instead. If it's a bad idea to put Rudd in a repeat role, what about one of his old "State" buddies? David Wain, Michael Showalter and Michael Ian Black are all quite white and would clash humorously with the black comedian. Unfortunately none of them are big enough to star opposite Rock.

Are you interested in seeing a satirical interracial bromantic comedy? Who would you like to see play Chris Rock's white friend?

Tags chris rock, My Black Friend