Barack Obama & Jackie Robinson: President Wants To Visit '42' Set

Batter Up: Obama To Visit Set Of Jackie Robinson Film

Movie studios often invite members of the press to the sets of upcoming films as a way to build buzz. In the case of Barack Obama, however, no invitations are needed. According to Deadline.com, Obama will reportedly head to the set of the Jackie Robinson biopic "42" on Tuesday after White House staffers made the request.

"42" is about the life of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American baseball player to reach the major leagues. It stars Harrison Ford as Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey (the man responsible for bringing Robinson up) and Chadwick Boseman as Robinson.

Obama is a noted sports fan -- though basketball is his game of choice, not baseball -- and he recently brought up Robinson during a campaign fundraiser hosted by Willie Mays.

"The fact is, we don’t make that history unless there are people like Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays, who helped to lay the groundwork for a more inclusive America," Obama said on June 5, where Mays -- the Hall of Fame outfielder -- re-endorsed the president. "And so we could not be prouder of [Mays], and he could not be more gracious."

Should the Obama meet Ford during his set visit, it would mark another occasion of the president rubbing elbows with Hollywood royalty. Back in May, Obama attended a fundraiser hosted by George Clooney that netted his campaign over $15 million in contributions. He later appeared at a dinner hosted by "Glee" creator Ryan Murphy.

For more on Obama's "42" set visit request, including what was said when the White House made its call, head over to Deadline.com.

George Clooney & President Obama

Obama With Celebrities

Before You Go

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot