Forest Whitaker is set to direct and star in “What a Wonderful World,” a film based on the life of Louis Armstrong. This is actually the first Armstrong official biopic that will chronicle the musician's life from his impoverished early days in New Orleans to his death in 1971 following a long career over which he transformed jazz and popular music as a whole.

It is a well known fact that Whitaker’s acting skills are close to being genial, but we don’t really know what to think of his directing skills. His past directing experiences include “First Daughter,” “Hope Floats,” and “Waiting to Exhale.” Nothing great has been proved from this point of view yet. However, the executor of Armstrong’s estate, Oscar Cohen, seems to trust his vision.

Variety reports that Cohen has given permission for this picture and will allow filmmakers full access to Armstrong’s more personal effects, such as old letters, interviews, and anything else pertinent that they can dig up in the Armstrong files. Cohen, who worked as Armstrong’s road manager in the ‘40s, will also serve as the executive producer of the movie.

"Armstrong left a monumental mark on our lives and our culture," said Whitaker, who portrayed a jazz figure before as Charlie Parker in Clint Eastwood’s "Bird." "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 U.S. but all over the world."

"What a Wonderful World" is written by Ron Bass and will begin shooting in the summer in Louisiana.