It’s been a tug-of-war regarding Zoe Saldana’s role as Nina Simone in the biopic Nina. Stars, producers, family members of the late singer, as well as her “ghost” have contributed their thoughts on the controversy. Weighing in now are the crew members of Broadway show Eclipsed, starring Lupita Nyong’o.
India Arie Talks Nina Simone Biopic, Zoe Saldana Casting
“I’ve always thought Adepero Oduye, who did [Eclipsed] back in the day, as did Uzo Aduba, should’ve played Nina,” Eclipsed director Liesl Tommy tells Page Six at the Eclipsed Broadway debut on Sunday. “I personally think the more people of color telling people-of-color stories, the less likelihood this thing with the Nina Simone story would happen.”
Nina Simone’s Brother is Not Happy About the Casting of Zoe Saldana in ‘Nina’ Biopic
There we have it folks, confirmation that Danai Gurira would have been excited to play Nina Simone.
Nina Simone’s Daughter Is ‘Not Upset’ at Zoe Saldana
Eclipsed, which debuted on Sunday, is the first Broadway play to be written, directed and performed by all women.