On Twitter today, the Lifetime network announced that their long-awaited and controversial biopic about the late R&B singer Aaliyah, titled Aaliyah: Princess of R&B, will be premiering on Saturday, Nov. 15. Along with this announcement came a photo of actress Alexandra Shipp as Aaliyah, which you can check out below.
23-year-old Shipp, who was previously known for her roles on the Nickelodeon show House of Anubis, as well as Switched at Birth, Awkward, and Victorious, wasn’t the first actress to be cast as Aaliyah. The role originally went to Disney star Zendaya Coleman, a decision that was heavily criticized. Zendaya eventually dropped out of the project in late June, but denied that the criticism leveled towards her had anything to do with her decision, instead claiming that it was due to the film’s lack of production value, music rights, or even the blessing of Aaliyah’s family.
She was the princess of R&B and now her story is being told. #AaliyahMovie premieres Saturday, November 15. pic.twitter.com/uLOw8BMHlz
— Lifetime (@lifetimetv) September 18, 2014
Other actors who have been cast in the film include Rachael Crawford, Sterling Jarvis, Lyriq Bent, Anthony Grant, A.J. Saudin, and Jesse Sukunda, as well as Chattrisse Dolabaille as Missy Elliott and Izaak Smith as Timbaland. TV host Wendy Williams will be serving as executive producer.
Do you think Alexandra Shipp is right for the role of Aaliyah? Let us know down in the comments section!
