HBO has reportedly tapped 'How to Get Away with Murder' star Viola Davis to play the lead role in an upcoming movie on abolitionist Harriet Tubman. In addition to portraying the character of Tubman, the Academy Award-winning actress will also be a part of the film's creative side and help HBO develop the project.

According to Christian Today, Amblin TV, experienced HBO writer Kirk Ellis, and 'Entourage' executive producer Doug Ellin will be at the helm of the yet to be named television movie. Other executive producers of the upcoming film are Julius Tennon, who is also Davis' husband, Amblin TV's Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank, Jim Lefkowitz and Cliff Dorfman.

Meanwhile, a report in Variety states that the television biopic movie is based on the Kate Clifford Larson's book titled "Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman: Portrait of an American Hero."

For the uninitiated, Tubman was born a slave in Maryland, but manged to escape when she was about 27 years old. She utilized the Underground Railroad as well as the North Star to reach Pennsylvania via Delaware. Thereafter, she returned to Maryland often to assist in guiding her family members as well as others to freedom. In addition, Tubman provided instruction that enabled several other slaves to escape to the north and also into Canada.

During the tumultuous Civil War, Tubman helped the Union as well as its soldiers by working as a nurse and a scout's leader. Her familiarity with back routes, marshes, and woods aided the men map their courses.

According to reports, the Harriet Tubman film has yet to receive the nod to commence production, and the movie is still in the initial stages of development. However, tapping a genuine star like the 49-year-old Davis associated with the project may help it get more support and accelerate its schedule.