Jill Scott to play Mahalia Jackson in new film
Jill Scott is set to play "Queen of Gospel" Mahalia Jackson
The multi-Grammy winning neo-soul and R&B legend Jill Scott is set to take up the role of playing the "Queen of Gospel" Mahalia Jackson in a new biopic - Mahalia!
The new film, which is being produced by the Grammy-winning rapper Queen Latifah and the Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx (who received an Oscar for playing Ray Charles in 2004 film Ray), is based on Darlene Donloe's novel Mahalia Jackson.
The star team have reportedly secured the rights to Jackson’s entire musical catalog for the film, which will document her musical and activist life.
In a social media post, Jill Scott claimed, "Every story about Mahalia Jackson is worth the watch. I feel stupendously honored."
Announcing the news, Queen Latifah said, "This is such an incredibly important story to tell and we’re thrilled to work with Jamie on the project...and to share Mahalia’s inspiring journey to becoming the Queen of Gospel music."
Holly Carter, who is one of the executive producers of the film stated, “I believe Ms. Scott was a godsend and will be absolute perfection in the lead role.”