Nina stars Zoe Saldana in the titular role, which has led to some complaints from both family and fans of the late singer.
Simone was both a singer/songwriter and Civil Rights activist born in 1933. She died in 2003 at the age of 70. The number of musicians and artists that have been influenced by Simone is innumerable, and the Netflix documentary What Happened, Miss Simone? received an Academy Award nomination at the 2016 Oscars for Best Documentary Feature.
It’s no surprise, then, that the singer’s life story is currently getting the treatment in Hollywood, following in the footsteps of other high profile biopics such as Walk the Line (Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash), Ray (Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles), and I Saw the Light (Tom Hiddleston as Hank Williams).
According to The Mary Sue, Nina will get a theatrical release on April 22. It stars Saldana, David Oyelowo as Simone’s manager Clifton Henderson, and Mike Epps as Richard Pryor.
The official poster for the film comes via Entertainment Weekly.
The official synopsis reads, “She was one of the century’s most extraordinary talents, a 15-time Grammy nominee and Grammy Hall of Fame Recipient; her mesmerizing songs and passionate politics combined to make her the unforgettable Nina Simone (Zoe Saldana). But fame and fortune came with a price, and her later years were riddled with depression, alcohol abuse and isolation. Rediscovering the meaning of her life and work took courage, strength and one true friend: Clifton Henderson (David Oyelowo), the man who started out as her assistant and eventually became her loyal manager. With Clifton’s encouragement, the “high priestess of soul” began a courageous journey back to her music … and, eventually, herself.”
Saldana was cast in the film more than two years ago, and though many are highly anticipating finally being able to see the film, there has been much controversy over the actress landing the role. Simone’s African-American heritage had a large influence on her songs, and many are questioning the fact that Saldana, who is both Dominican and Puerto Rican, will be portraying her.
In addition, the singer’s own daughter, actress Simone Kelly, has told the New York Times she would’ve liked someone with a more atypical Hollywood beauty to play her mother, such as Whoopi Goldberg.