S. Samuel
Late R&B singer Aaliyah's upcoming biopic will reportedly cover her mysterious and short-lived relationship with fellow music icon R. Kelly. #ComingSoon
According to the film’s executive producer, a close look at the rumored romantic couple will come to light.
The 1990s diva — who was tragically killed in a 2001 plane crash when she was just 22 — was alleged to have secretly, illegally married her mentor Kelly in 1994 when she was 15 and he was 27. Executive producer Debra Martin Chase told us, “Aaliyah’s personal and professional relationship with R. Kelly will be explored with care in the film as we set out to depict her life with the utmost respect. Above all else, it’s our hope to inspire an entirely new generation with her music and larger-than-life talent.” (Page Six)
The crooner’s family reportedly wants to put an immediate end to the Lifetime biopic.
Aaliyah’s uncle and former manager, Barry Hankerson, tells us the family is pissed that no one from the network contacted them about the movie. Hankerson says the family will block any attempt on Lifetime’s part to use any of Aaliyah’s music. He says the family has hired a lawyer and will do everything they can to block release of the flick. The family is not opposed to a big, theatrical film, but thinks a TV movie is too small for someone as big as Aaliyah. (TMZ)
Reports last week revealed the film would be based off a best-selling biography.
This film, tentatively titled Aaliyah: Princess of R&B, will be based off of Christopher Farley‘s best-selling biography Aaliyah: More Than a Woman. The film is being produced by Aaliyah Productions Inc., with Howard Braunstein (The Informant!) and Debra Martin Chase (The Princess Diaries) serving as executive producers. Bradley Walsh (Turn the Beat Around) will direct from a script written by Michael Elliot (Brown Sugar). (The Hollywood Reporter)
Disney Channel star Zendaya confirmed her new movie role on Twitter this week.
“She’s been an inspiration and influence in my whole career, her talent still shines brighter then ever, all I wanna do is honor her,” Zendaya tweeted June 16. (Zendaya’s Twitter)
