Several months ago, the web exploded when news leaked that Zoe Saldana was being considered and later cast as Nina Simone. The furor over that may prove to be minor in light of the latest developments regarding the upcoming Josephine Baker biopic.
Reportedly, there is biopic on Baker currently in development and the producers are considering . . . (wait for it) Rihanna for the lead!
Production company Noosa Films has secured the rights to Baker’s autobiography from its French publishers, Editions Robert Laffont, and the producer of the film, W. Lance Reybolds, has publicly stated that he very much wants Rihanna for the role of Baker.
According to Reynolds “Rihanna is one of the most talented performers of this millennium, and with her unique acting and performing abilities, I have no doubt she will bring Josephine back to life on the big screen.”
Whatchu talkin’ ’bout Reynolds????
We think that the producer is focusing on Baker’s sensuality and not concentrating on that representing a small part of who this talented artist truly was. While we’re confident that she can handle what is sure to be the uninhibited nature and wild side of Baker’s youth, can she portray the confident fighter and humanitarian of her later years?
Lynn Whitfield brought Baker’s persona to life in the 1991 HBO film, The Josephine Baker Story winning an Emmy in the process for her breathtaking performance.
This is not the first time that someone has tried to get a feature film biopic made about Baker, Diana Ross tried unsuccessfully for years to get one off the ground.
The irony is that Saldana is probably more suited for THIS role than playing Simone!