Zoe Saldana's Nina Coming to Theaters This December
Nina, the biopic on jazz singer Nina Simone starring Zoe Saldana in the leading role, has been shelved for years, but all that will change this December when the film finally hits theaters.
Variety.com reports that RLJ Entertainment, the company started by BET Networks founder Robert Johnson, has acquired the rights to distribute the biopic, which has been on the shelf for two and a half years. RLJ plans to release the film this December.
“I am very excited that RLJ Entertainment will be distributing Nina Simone’s biopic with the tremendous talent involved including Zoe Saldana and David Oyelowo,” says Johnson in a statement. “I had the special privilege early in my career of working with Ms. Simone while coordinating a performance for former D.C. Delegate Walter E. Fauntroy and knowing first-hand of her major contribution to the soul and emotion of the civil rights movement."
He continues, "I look forward as I am sure many others will, to her story and legacy being made available by RLJ Entertainment to consumers on various media platforms in the coming months.”
With all the drama surrounding this film, it's easy to overlook that it also stars Oscar and Emmy-nominee David Oyelowo as Simone's manager, Clifton Henderson. The upcoming release, of course, means Saldana will have to answer to even more criticism about her role in the film. See what she had to say about it two years ago in our exclusive interview, below:
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(Photo: RLJE Entertainment)