Biopics We Would Love To See

Celebrity Biopcs

Jennifer Hudson recently announced she would be "honored" to play the "Queen of Soul" in an upcoming biopic if ever she were asked. Chris Rock had also expressed interest in playing Richard Pryor, while Common recently said that he'd like to play Marvin Gaye in a biopic. Luckily for Common, British director Julian Temple recently announced that he is working on a biopic of Gaye. This got us to thinking: what icons with an amazing back-story would be worthy of a film? Then, what actor would be able to carry the role? Here are our picks for icons whose lives included all the controversy, sensationalism, and tragedy needed for a film, and the actors we think could tell their story...

Amber Riley and Chaka Khan

Amber Riley loves her some Chaka Khan. So much so that she's partnered with ESSENCE to petition "Glee" to do an episode on the legendary singer. With her fabulous voice and curvy girl appeal, no one quite understands Chaka better than Riley.

Tyrese as Teddy Pendergrass

Tyrese says playing the Teddy Pendergrass would be "the role of a lifetime." The "Fast and Furious" actor is already in talks to play the late soul legend in an upcoming biopic. "[Teddy] was like my step-pops," Tyrese recently said. This will surely be perfect casting.

Common as Marvin Gaye

Common recently said that he'd like to play Marvin Gaye in a biopic of the musical legend.

Mary J. Blige as Nina Simone

Mary J. Blige was reportedly tapped to play Nina Simone in an upcoming biopic. Though there's been no official word on when the production begins, we think MJB would totally "get" Nina Simone's complexity.

Will Smith and Obama

According to reports, director Jay Roach is currently working on a screen adaptation of the book, "Game Change" about the historic 2008 election. But who would play President Obama? We nominate Will Smith, whose versatile portfolio makes him one of Hollywood's most capable African-American actors. He's also played head's of state and did a stellar character study on Muhammad Ali for the Oscar-nominated biopic, "Ali." And it doesn't hurt that Smith, much like POTUS, is one handsome fella.

Meagan Good as Whitney Houston

Good says she dreams of playing Houston in an upcoming biopic. "That's my personal dream role," she told Vibe. "I think it's something that can definitely be a realization should I sit down with her and start developing it." We think so too, Meagan.

Taraji P. Henson as Diana Ross

From music to film, the lead singer of the classic Motown all-girl group the Supremes has wowed us with her grace and her voice. However, it was also the all girl group drama, and in-house romances that make for a super juicy biopic. Taraji has already shown us she can hold a note in "Hustle and Flow." Besides, nobody does spunky quite like the Oscar-nominated actress.

Terrence Howard as Rick James

Funk legend Rick James was a skilled instrumentalist, songwriter, singer, bandleader, and performer, before passing away in 2004. Reaching his peak of popularity in 80s, his rise to super-stardom included a roller coaster ride of chemical and sexual excesses, as well as jail time for two separate sexual assaults in 1991 and 1992.

Chris Rock as Richard Pryor

Though Chris Rock recently said that he'd nominate Marlon Wayans to play Richard Pryor in an upcoming biopic called, "Richard Pryor: Is it Something I Said?" we think Rock has just the right of amount of dark undertones in his comedy to mirror the late, great Pryor.

Forest Whitaker as Donny Hathaway

Whether paired with his singing partner Roberta Flack or flying solo, soul icon Donny Hathaway was truly a musical genius. Whitaker has a proven track record (and Oscar) at playing beautifully complicated characters.

Kerry Washington as Lauryn Hill

Kerry Washington and Lauryn Hill already favor each other, and who better than Washington to play one of the most complex artists of our time?

Regina King as Natalie Cole

The 8-time Grammy Award winning "Sophisticated Lady" wasn't always such a lady. The daughter of Nat King Cole has admitted her drug use in the past. Her addiction to heroine and crack cocaine was so serious that she once refused to leave a burning building because she needed to score. Luckily, Cole has changed her life for the greater, and King is a master at playing triumphant women.

Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin

Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin would really be a match made in musical heaven. Their big voices and inspirational stories of overcoming adversity make these two singers a perfect pair. And we've already seen what J-Hud can do to a singing role, when given the chance. We can only hope the "Queen of Soul" is listening.