Rock 'n' roll, baby! Lizzo set to play Rosetta Tharpe
"This is a film I've been producing for years, fighting for her story to get told," Lizzo says about the upcoming 'Rosetta' biopic.
Singer Lizzo is taking on one of the biggest acting roles of her career.
Amazon MGM Studios has announced that she will play Sister Rosetta Tharpe in a new biopic about the rock 'n' roll pioneer.
Deadline was the first to report the news, revealing that the project is already in development.
Lizzo is also one of the film's producers, along with Kevin Beisler, Nina Yang Bongiovi, and Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker.
'Queen of the South' writer Natalie Chaidez and Kwynn Perry will helm the screenplay.
"Without Tharpe, there would be no rock 'n' roll. Her influence on popular music spans decades and includes Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and countless others. Inspired by true events, the film will capture a pivotal period in Tharpe's life – one of groundbreaking innovation, defiant passion and secret love," Deadline reported.
Lizzo shared a screenshot of the story on her Instagram page.
"Black people made rock n roll," she wrote.
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Social media users questioned why Lizzo was chosen for the role, with one person writing: 'Was no one else available?"
Lizzo shared a follow-up Instagram post explaining how her involvement came about.
"Let me be very clear: there were no auditions for Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Because this is a film I've been producing for years, fighting for her story to get told," she captioned a video of herself playing an electric guitar.
The 'Truth Hurts' hitmaker says the "Godmother of Rock 'n Roll" is in good hands.
"I've been honouring her in my music videos & performances. Pitching her movie to people who've never heard of her, studying her life and reading every book that exists about her. This is my baby, my passion – because Rosetta deserves [it]," she added.
Fans hope Lizzo, who won her first Emmy award in 2022, pours her heart and soul into the role.
"Oh this could be really good or bad. Hopefully, they don't mess it up. But I'll have faith in Lizzo," an X user said.
Another user commented: "Lizzo is a rockstar. I'm happy she's playing this role."
Stay tuned.
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Main image credit: Instagram/@lizzobeeating