Whispers are afloat that R&B/Pop princess Rihanna is being courted to portray African-American/French singer, actress, and dancer Josephine Baker in a future film.
Based on the autobiography of her life titled Josephine, the film is set to be filmed by Noosa Films, who won the rights to the book from French publishers. Producer W. Lance Reynolds says he had Rihanna in mind from the beginning. “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,” he said in a statement.
Born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis in 1906, Josephine Baker played vaudeville in the U.S. before traveling to France where her singing, acting and energetic dancing became a huge success, even gaining her French citizenship. Diana Ross petitioned for years to make a film about the multi-faceted entertainer after her many portrayals, but it was actress Lynn Whitfield had the chance to play Baker in HBO’s 1991 film The Josephine Baker Story, which earned her an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie.
While Rihanna’s acting debut in 2012’s sci-fi film Battleship was received with mixed/negative reviews, RiRi was speculated to be on the top of the list when it came to choosing someone to play the late Whitney Houston shortly after her passing. “That would be something that I would have to give my entire life to do because I would want to really pull it off,” she told The Associated Press about the possibility.
Is Rihanna a good choice to play Josephine Baker?
Rihanna’s career has been on a steady rise since she burst onto the music scene in 2005. With numerous awards, chart-topping songs and several successful businesses under her belt, it comes as no surprise that Rihanna is set to take on yet another challenge: playing Josephine Baker in an upcoming biopic. Already known for her fierce fashion sense and boundary-pushing performances, Rihanna will be sure to bring life to this iconic role. Here’s what we know about the film so far!
Josephine Baker was one of the most influential performers of the 1920s & ‘30s. Born in St Louis, Missouri in 1906, she rose to fame after joining the French Revue at age 19. She went on to become an international star with her sultry voice and daring dance moves – not to mention her trademark banana skirt! Through these performances, Josephine used her platform to speak out against racism and social injustice – something which makes her story particularly relevant today.
We already know Rihanna is up for the task of bringing Josephine’s legacy back into the spotlight; but who else will join her? What themes can we expect from this biopic? And when will it hit our screens? Keep reading for all these answers and more!
Overview Of Josephine Baker’s Life
Josephine Baker was an iconic figure in the 1920s and 1930s who revolutionized entertainment. Known for her distinctive charm, style, and talent she pushed boundaries on stage and broke the color barrier with her trailblazing career. She achieved major success as a dancer, singer, actress, civil rights activist, and spy during her lifetime.
Born Freda Josephine McDonald in 1906 St Louis Missouri to impoverished parents of Cherokee descent, she left home at age 13 after enduring physical abuse from family members. With nothing more than ambition and grit, she made it to Paris where she became an instant sensation as a cabaret performer known for her risqué dancing. As one of the first African American international superstars, she captivated audiences with her daring attitude and athleticism that defied gender norms. Her performances earned rave reviews which led to featured roles in films such as Zou-Zou (1934) and Princess Tam-Tam (1935).
In addition to being a leading entertainer in Europe, Baker also served as a civil rights advocate speaking out against racism both domestically and abroad. During World War II she worked as a French Resistance agent gathering intelligence while entertaining soldiers on the front lines. After the war ended she returned stateside determined to fight racial inequality through activism becoming involved in organizations like NAACP and CORE throughout the 1950s until her death in 1975. Josephine Baker’s legacy lives on today inspiring generations of performers around the world.
Details On The Film Adaptation
The life of Josephine Baker is set to be brought to the big screen with a biopic starring singer Rihanna. This adaptation will explore both her personal and professional journeys, offering insight into how she was able to overcome adversity and find success in multiple arenas.
Rihanna has been vocal about why this project is important to her stating that “Josephine’s story is an extraordinary one—filled with courage, passion, and strength. I am honored to be part of bringing it to life.” The film’s director also shares similar sentiments explaining that they hope the movie will inspire viewers by showing “how one person can make such a tremendous impact on history when faced with overwhelming odds.”
Production for the film began in late 2020 and there is much excitement surrounding its release. With such compelling subject matter and a powerhouse leading actor at the helm, this biopic promises to captivate audiences around the world with its inspiring message of resilience and determination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rihanna is the perfect choice to portray Josephine Baker in an upcoming biopic. Despite her brief life of 68 years, Baker achieved incredible success and left an enduring legacy as a Black entertainer and civil rights activist. Her story deserves to be told on film so that future generations can appreciate her immense contributions to society.
Rihanna has proven time and again that she is capable of taking on complex characters with grace and dignity. She will undoubtedly rise to the challenge yet again with this role, delivering a nuanced performance that honors its subject matter aptly. Moreover, it’ll be exciting for fans around the world to see how she brings the iconic figure of Josephine Baker back to life on screen.
It’s sure to be an inspiring watch! We are eagerly awaiting its release later this year and look forward to seeing what RiRi does with such a treasured part of history.
