So it looks as if Zoe Saldana will be playing iconic jazz artist and political activist Nina Simone, after all. Just a couple of days ago, word broke that Saldana had joined Nina, the long-gestating film from writer/director Cynthia Mort. In development since 2005, Mary J. Blige had been attached for the title role since 2010, but the film had hit snags due to funding and had to be bumped back while the singer starred in Rock of Ages. But Blige had never officially dropped out, and was still attached as recently as June. Obviously, that's no longer the case.
Nina will focus on the final years in Simone's life, and deal with her relationship with manager, Clifton Henderson, who met her while he was a nurse at the California psychiatric hospital she was a "guest" at. David Oyelowo(Red Tails) has long been on board to play Henderson. As exciting a life as Simone lived, I certainly hope the film's scope is larger than we've been led to believe.
I like Saldana, but she's not Nina Simone. At least not in terms of look or vocals, she's the exact wrong actress for the part. We'll see what Mort with her as production is slated to begin in October. [THR]
