Go and Be Funny

Based on the bestselling book Laughing Through Life’s Storms by Rev. Dr. Michael Eaton

Go and Be Funny is an inspirational faith-based comedy-drama drawn from the remarkable life of Rev. Dr. Michael Eaton. After surrendering his childhood dream of becoming a comedian to answer God’s call to preach, Michael discovers that the laughter he relinquished was never lost—it was transformed into a gift that would help others survive life’s storms.

Blending humor, heartbreak, marriage, ministry, grief, and redemption, the film delivers a powerful message: sometimes God returns your dream in a form greater than you ever imagined.

Proposed Cast and Creative Team

• Eddie Murphy as Michael Eaton — Legendary comedian, actor, Golden Globe winner, Academy Award nominee, and recipient of the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award for his outstanding contributions to entertainment. His extraordinary combination of comedy and dramatic depth makes him an ideal choice to portray Michael Eaton.

• Angela Bassett as Kimberly Eaton — One of Hollywood’s most respected actresses, a two-time Academy Award nominee and recipient of an Honorary Academy Award recognizing her lifetime achievement and powerful contributions to motion pictures. Her strength, grace, intelligence, and emotional authority would beautifully embody Dr. Kimberly Eaton.

• Yvonne Orji as Director — An Emmy-nominated actress, acclaimed comedian, author, and outspoken Christian whose career blends faith, culture, humor, and inspirational storytelling. Best known for HBO’s Insecure and her comedy specials, Orji would bring an authentic Christian perspective and a fresh comedic voice to the film.

• Sir Steve McQueen as Producer, Executive Producer, and Senior Creative Partner — The Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind 12 Years a Slave, which won the Oscar for Best Picture. His artistic vision, prestige, and ability to present powerful true stories would give the film exceptional emotional and cinematic depth.

• Menno Meyjes as Screenwriter — The Academy Award-nominated screenwriter of Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple. His celebrated ability to adapt deeply personal and emotionally complex material would help transform Michael Eaton’s life story into a compelling feature-film screenplay.

• Rev. Dr. Michael Eaton as Producer — Author, pastor, television host, inspirational speaker, and the man whose life inspired the story. His involvement would protect the authenticity, spiritual message, comedy, and personal heart of the film.

Tagline:
He surrendered his dream of comedy—until God gave it back.

Movie concept and proposed production:
Go and Be Funny

Short Movie Description — GO AND BE FUNNY

GO AND BE FUNNY is an inspiring faith-based dramatic comedy about a preacher who once surrendered his dream of comedy to answer God’s call—only to discover years later that God never took the gift away; He intended to use it.

Based on Laughing Through Life’s Storms, the film follows a man whose journey takes him through childhood trauma, family struggles, grief, marriage, ministry, and unexpected moments of laughter. Through it all, he discovers that humor can be more than entertainment—it can become medicine for the soul, a ministry to hurting people, and a weapon of holy joy.

Sometimes God calls you away from your dream…only to give it back with a greater purpose.

GO AND BE FUNNY
He surrendered his dream of comedy—until God gave it back.

Coming September 8, 2028

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