Zendaya is out! From the Aaliyah Lifetime biopic that is. Although the singer, dancer and actress was chosen to play the late great singer a film adaptation she has chosen to no longer be apart of the film.
The reason? Another complication? The network and production team are having difficulty acquiring the rights to the singer’s music.
The news shouldn’t come as a surprise, however. Since the announcement that the 17 year old Disney star was chosen to play the singer, Aaliyah’s family has spoken out against the production pertaining to the details surrounding Aaliyah’s relationship with mentor, R. Kelly, during the early stages of her career. At the time of the relationship, and unlawful marriage, the singer was only 15 years old and Kelly 27. Their marriage was later annulled and court documents sealed.
A cousin to the late singer has also spoken out and expressed the family’s wishes for Aaliyah’s story be told on a big screen. They feel a television biopic wouldn’t capture her impact and the magnitude of her career and success.
As a result of the family’s disapproval, a number of actresses who also auditioned for the filmed, including Teyana Taylor and BET’s ‘106 & Park’ Keisha Chante, have since expressed their own lose of interest over production issues.
Do you think the network should take the family’s concerns into consideration or should they go on with the film as is? Also, who do you think should replace Zendaya?
