The draw for Wimbledon was released today, and Serena Williams continues her quest for a Serena Slam and the Calendar Year Grand Slam. As Serena continue her era of domination, just capturing her twentieth Grand Slam title extending her ranking points over the rest of the competition, I’ve been reflecting on the eventual biopic of her life. She’s the greatest athlete of all time, so if any athlete deserves one, it would be her. I mean, she (and sister Venus) changed the world of women’s tennis. Of course there has to be a Serena Williams biopic, and probably a Venus one as well.

Like any Black athlete who enters a white dominated sport, Serena’s story is plagued with obstacles of racism, except in Serena’s case, it’s compounded by misogyny. The world of tennis wasn’t ready for the unapologetic Blackness of her and Venus. The story of how despite it all, she was able to become the greatest athlete of all time is worth putting on the big screen. She battled injuries, depression, and a life-threatening illness that would take many others out the game. Instead, she became the most dominant player in history, stunting the careers of many other players who would otherwise be consider historic greats.

But who is worthy of portraying Serena? An epic figure needs to be portrayed by an epic actor. But is there an actor epic enough for her? Tika Sumpter? Kat Graham? Keke Palmer? I think there is one in the making: Quvenzhané Wallis.

I know it seems crazy. But by the time Serena retires (hopefully we get some doubles action out of her when she leaves singles), and a biopic gets off the ground, Quvenzhané could be at a prime age to play Serena. They could even pull a Boyhood and show her aging since Serena started her ascent to greatness early.

Who would you like to see play Serena Williams in a biopic? Leave a comment.

The post A Serena Williams Biopic Is Inevitable, But Who to Play Her? appeared first on Films of Color.

The era of biopics is in full swing. The Motown legend Tammi Terrell will be getting her own biopic. Kat Graham, star of The Vampire Diaries and Honey 2, will be donning the role of the legend. Graham, a singer herself, feels a deep connection to Terrell, who’s career was brief but memorable.

According to Deadline,

The film follows the brief but memorable career of Tammi Terrell, who started out as a backup singer in the James Brown Revue before scoring a few minor pop hits as a solo act. But she struck gold after being paired with hitmaking singer Gaye in early 1967, a teaming that produced such Motown classics as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Your Precious Love” and “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing.” In October 1967, Terrell collapsed onstage while performing with Gaye, and doctors diagnosed her with a brain tumor. She continued to record with Gaye and scored a few more solo hits before dying in 1970.

Maryam Myika Day is penning the script, and Graham’s production company, Panthera Pictures, will be producing. Filming is set to begin next year.

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You hear the name Zane and you think of steamy erotic novels. Her novel Addicted is perhaps her best known work. It was made into a film last year starring Sharon Leal. The film Addicted follows her character as she embarks on a tumultuous affair with a painter.

Synopsis:

Based on the best-selling novel by Zane, Addicted is a sexy and provocative thriller about desire and the dangers of indiscretion. Successful businesswoman Zoe Reynard appears to have attained it all – the dream husband she loves, two wonderful children and a flourishing career. As perfect as everything appears from the outside, Zoe is still drawn to temptations she cannot escape or resist. As she pursues a secretive life, Zoe finds herself risking it all when she heads down a perilous path she may not survive.

Cast:

Sharon Leal – Zoe Reynard

Boris Kodjoe – Jason Reynard

Tyson Beckford – Corey

Kat Graham – Diamond

William Levy – Quinton Canosa

Tasha Smith – Dr. Marcella Spencer

Crew:

Director – Bille Woodruff

Writer – Christina Welsh

Writer – Ernie Barbarash

Addicted is available for purchase here.

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