Lee Daniels Feels ‘Muzzled’ by ‘The Butler’s’ PG-13

The "Precious" and "Paperboy" director tells THR: "I can't go into my bag of tricks: no urination, no cursing. … We only have one 'f---.'"

January 24, 2013 7:00am

Lee Daniels on 'The Butler's' PG-13: I Feel 'Muzzled' — Lee Daniels Muzzled - P 2013
Getty Images

This story first appeared in the Feb. 1 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.

Director Lee Daniels is not having an easy time making his first PG-13 film.

“It’s very un-Precious and un-Paperboy,” he confides of The Butler, about a White House staffer (Forest Whitaker) employed through eight presidential administrations.

PHOTOS: THR’s Awards Season Roundtable Series 2012: The Directors

“I can’t go into my bag of tricks on this one: no urination, no baby falling down the stairs, no cursing at all. We only have one ‘f—,’ which Lyndon Johnson gets. I felt like I directed the film in handcuffs and a muzzle.”

Lee Daniels Feels ‘Muzzled’ by ‘The Butler’s’ PG-13

Merle Ginsberg & Gary Baum

The Royal Family Reportedly Isn't Interested in Giving Prince Harry a 'Warm Reception' If He Decides To Go To King Charles III's Coronation

'Million Dollar Listing' Stars Josh and Heather Altman Buy Pricey Newport Beach House

Kandi Burruss Calls LaTocha Scott “Corny” For Making Fun Of Her Voice

Cheating Anglers Net Plea Deal to Avoid Jail but Give Up Boat

What is Blood Flow Restriction Training? The Actual Science Behind This Oddly Efficient Conditioning Method

Inside a $17.2 Million Napa Valley Estate With Gobsmacking Views of Wine Country

Mary J. Blige Shares Dream Of Playing Nina Simone In Biopic

Ana Bárbara on Her Career as a Female Composer: ‘I Believe It All Now’

Have a Tip?