Lizzo to Play Trailblazing Musician Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Biopic for Amazon MGM Studios
Multi Grammy-winning musician Lizzo (Hustlers, The Mandalorian) has signed on to star in the biopic Rosetta, in which she will play the title role of musician Rosetta Tharpe. Known also as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the American singer, songwriter and guitarist gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s with her gospel recordings, characterized by a unique mixture of spiritual lyrics and electric guitar.
From writers Natalie Chaidez (The Flight Attendant) and Kwynn Perry (Tigerbelles), Rosetta will tell the story of how Tharpe became known as the godmother of Rock & Roll, influencing the likes of Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Johnny Cash and countless other musicians. Lizzo will also produce the film alongside Kevin Beisler and Significant Productions’ Nina Yang Bongiovi and Forest Whitaker.
An early description of the project, which is currently in development, explains that that film “captures a pivotal period in her life — one of groundbreaking innovation, defiant passion, and secret love. As she shatters musical boundaries with her signature guitar sound, Rosetta must navigate societal constraints, conceal her love for another woman, and ultimately transform a wedding into one of the most legendary concerts in history — the first stadium show.”
Rosetta won’t be the first time that Tharpe will be portrayed on film: British musician Yola played her in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic Elvis, which starred Austin Butler and Tom Hanks. While Tharpe died in 1973, her songs still frequently appear in films and shows, including, most recently, A League of Their Own, Atlanta, Death on the Nile, I Know This Much Is True and Elvis & Nixon.
Stay tuned for updates on the film as it moves into production.
via: Variety