John C. McGinley has joined the cast of 42 for Legendary Pictures and writer-director Brian Helgeland.

The project is a biopic centering on Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman), who became the first African-American to play major league baseball when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. John C. McGinley will portray Red Barber, the famous radio broadcaster for the Dodgers. Harrison Ford, Christopher Meloni, Jon Bernthal, Ryan Merriman, Brad Beyer, and T.R. Knight also star.

Brian Helgeland is directing from his own screenplay. Jackie Robinson's widow, Rachel Robinson was also involved in the development process, to ensure the story was accurate.

Production is scheduled to begin later this month, with shooting to take place in Chattanooga, Tennesse, and Atlanta. It is said John C. McGinley will be pulling double duty, shooting this film and a role on the USA Network series Burn Notice at the same time.