Who Will Be Michelle Obama?

So this week I've been thinking a lot about the inevitable Barack Obama biopic. It probably won't be upon us until the end of his first term at the very least, but my mind immediately went to casting. As far as the President-Elect goes, we all know that Will Smith's got that one wrapped up; that's not even a question. But I can't help but wonder what actress would land the role of Michelle. Like I said, I've been thinking a lot about it, so here are my thoughts:

Who it shouldn't be: Anika Noni Rose, Gabrielle Union, Thandie Newton (and any other actress who's far too light-skinned to play Michelle; ie Sanaa Lathan)

• I'm mostly just set on it not being Thandie Newton. She's a fine actress, but casting her as Michelle would be all wrong. I was already minorly offended by Oliver Stone's casting of her as Condoleeza Rice in 'W;' those two women look nothing alike! They tried to fudge it with weird prosthetics, but it was just really ridiculous to me considering the amount of black actresses straight up need work. Were there no other black actresses up to the job? I think not. I'd hate to see another strong black (and brown-skinned) woman get whitewashed by Hollywood on film. Anika Noni Rose is also a capable actress, but she's far too short to pull of Michelle who is not only tall, but also a commanding presence. At around 5' even, Anika wouldn't cut it. I love Gabby Union, and so far she's the best match physically, but I don't think she has the acting chops to pull it off.
  

Who will get completely overlooked: Nia Long, Kimberly Elise, Nona Gaye

• All three of these ladies are great actors, but with the exception of Nia Long, none of them have the star power to pull much support for this role. Kimberly has the most going for her physically, as she would probably embody Michelle the best, but unfortunately, these ladies won't be considered much for this role, if at all.
  

Who will probably be on the short list: Kerry Washington, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Jada Pinkett Smith

• Some of these ladies on this list will probably get more consideration than others.. Angela Bassett is automatically out, because by the time the film gets made, she'll be way too old to play Michelle. I already know she's going to be upset about that one. I love Halle Berry, but she's not right for the part. But of course she'll be part of the conversation because of her good friend Oscar. Kerry Washington definitely has the acting skills to pull this one off, but physically she's all wrong. She's too slight for the role. Jada will only be on the list because her husband's going to be playing Barack, but we all know that's not going to happen.
  

Who it will probably come down to: Regina King

• Regina King is the perfect age and skin tone to play Michelle. She's still a little too short, but that's nothing that some sky high heels can't fix. The thing that really makes her ideal is her realness and the quality of her voice and speech. I could see her doing wonders as Michelle. She has the same fierceness and strong sense of self that Michelle possesses. I imagine she would be great at showing the depth of Michelle as wife, mother, and first lady. I can also see her doing well alongside Will Smith. 
  

Who it should be: SHARON LEAL

• Most of you may not be familiar Sharon Leal. She's originally a Broadway girl; she played Mimi in RENT. She was also in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married, Dreamgirls, and Soul Men with Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson. I think Sharon would be perfect for the role because she is stunning and beautiful, the same color as Michelle, and not so famous that her presence would be a distraction from seeing the character come through which is something I could see being a slight problem with a Regina King. Sharon is the right height (yay!), and in my head I can already see her as Michelle. She's a great actor, and she too would look amazing next to Will Smith.
  

Can't wait to see how this plays out in 8 years or so.