Mary J. Blige Signs on to Nina Simone Biopic

R&B queen Mary J. Blige has again been bitten by the acting bug. The songtress has signed on to play legendary singer/civil rights activist Nina Simone in a biopic of her life. The script is being written by Cynthia Mort, best known for her work on the Roseanne TV show and the Jodie Foster revenge flick, The Brave One.

Simone recorded over 40 albums in her 50 year career, including such hits as "My Baby Just Cares for Me"(1958) and "I Put a Spell on You"(1965). The biopic will focus on the later years of Simone's life, including her relationship with her assistant, Clifton Henderson.

I really think this could be a breakout role for Blige, one that could up her into Queen Latifah territory as long as the script is solid. Simone led an interesting life, one that only got moreso when she started delving into the civil rights movement. If I recall, she stood opposite of others like Martin Luther King by advocating violent revolution rather than non-violence. If it takes the approach of highlighting some of the more controversial moments of her life, this could be a winner.

Shooting is set to begin in September with a possible release sometime in 2012.