Let’s file this under “Bizarre Casting News.” The Huffington Post is reporting that producer W Lance Reynolds wants Rihanna for an upcoming biopic on Josephine Baker. Reynolds says:
“Rihanna is one of the most talented performers of this millennium and with her unique acting and performing abilities, I have no doubt she will bring Josephine back to life on the big screen.”
While we can certainly agree that Rihanna shares Baker’s flair for the dramatic in her music and on the stage, not quite sure we can ride with Reynold’s faith in Rih Rih’s (non-existent) acting ability — “Battleship” anyone? It’s one thing to share certain characteristics with an iconic figure like Josephine Baker, but another to be able to act them out believably on the big screen. I mean, would you really cast Beyonce in a Tina Turner movie remake?
If you want to see real acting, do yourself a favor and rent HBO’s “The Josephine Baker Story” (1991) starring Lynn Whitfield, who an Emmy for her work.
