Will Smith to produce Queen Latifah biopic

Will Smith is set to produce a film based on Queen Latifah’s extraordinary career.

The artist’s real name is Dana Elaine Owens.

The Hollywood superstar will work on the movie around the iconic musician and actress’ career alongside Flavor Unit Entertainment, Westbrook Studios and Jesse Collins Entertainment.

While an official release date as well as other details pertaining to the project is yet to be confirmed, The Hollywood Reporter says it will explore the Emmy, Grammy and Golden Globe Award winner’s three decades in the industry.

“Hip-hop’s impact has expanded beyond just music and has had a lasting impact on culture and society overall,” she told the publication.

“It is a dream to be able to collaborate with friends and colleagues who not only have a shared understanding, but are able to tell these stories that were the backdrop of our lives.”

Smith added: “I’m thrilled to work alongside Flavor Unit, Jesse Collins Entertainment and HarbourView to highlight the incredible stories of some of our favourite artists and icons.

“There’s no better story to start with than the one of Queen Latifah, an undisputed legend who has both entertained and inspired us for so many years.”

At just 19, Latifah broke into the music industry in 1989 with the release of her debut album ‘All Hail the Queen’.

She went on to release six more studio albums which cemented her status as a hip-hop pioneer.

Meanwhile, her acting career began in 1991 with roles in Spike Lee’s ‘Jungle Fever’ and ‘House Party 2’.

She has also featured in productions such as ‘Taxi’, ‘Burning Down the House’ and ‘Girls Trip’, while also starring in the 2021 series ‘The Equalizer’.

With a film about her life in the works, a Bob Dylan movie starring Timothée Chalamet will also be released in cinemas this festive season, while a movie based on Michael Jackson’s life will drop next year. – IOL Entertainment