Biopic On Soul Legend Otis Redding & Wife Zelma In The Works
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A biopic on late soul music icon Otis Redding and his widow Zelma Redding is on the way.
Variety was the first to break the story, along with the news that actors John Boyega (Star Wars trilogy, They Cloned Tyrone) and Danielle Deadwyler (Till, The Piano Lesson) will play the lead roles. Boyega and Deadwyler will also serve as executive producers of the film.
Produced by Fifth Season, Homegrown Pictures and Kinfolk Management + Media, Otis & Zelma will chronicle the life of the legendary singer-songwriter. During his short career, Redding brought such hits including “Respect,” “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” and “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay.”
Sadly, Redding died in a 1967 plane crash at the young age of 26, leaving behind Zelma, his wife of just 10 years, and three young children.
RELATED: Otis Redding III, Guitarist & Son of Iconic Singer, Dies at 59
Filmmaker Channing Godfrey Peoples (Miss Juneteenth) will direct the film, with the screenplay provided by Donnetta Lavinia Grays and the full support of Zelma Redding and the Otis Redding estate.
Here’s an early synopsis, as featured in Variety:
[The film] celebrates the 10 short years Otis and Zelma had together, and their eternal love story after his passing. Zelma’s resilience and determination to preserve his musical legacy for the last 56 years fuels her, just as much as Otis’ love for Zelma fueled him.
News of the biopic comes two days before Otis is set to posthumously receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You can watch the ceremony on October 4 at 11:30 am PT (2:30 pm ET) at www.walkoffame.com.
