As previously reported, an upcoming Lifetime biopic about the late R&B icon Aaliyah, titled Aaliyah: Princess of R&B, filled the role of its leading lady: Zendaya Coleman of Disney Channel fame.
However, according to TMZ, the late singer's family is working to stop production on the film, which is slated to begin filming this summer.
Aaliyah's uncle and former manager, Barry Hankerson, told TMZ that the family was angry that no one from Lifetime contacted them about the movie. He said that the family will work to block the network's attempts to use any of Aaliyah's music and are working with a lawyer to stop the film's production.
The family is apparently not opposed to a big, theatrical film but believe that a made-for-TV movie is too small for a star of Aaliyah's stature.
According to the Daily Mail, this news is troublesome for Zendaya who has been slated to record four of Aaliyah's songs.
Before the family spoke out against the movie, Zendaya took to Twitter to express her excitement and gratitude for the role.
"She's been an inspiration and influence in my whole career, her talent still shines brighter then ever, all I wanna do is honor her," she wrote, adding, "Show how much she accomplished in only 22 years....she's beautiful inside and there will never be another Aaliyah, I just hope to share her beautiful story, and make her proud up in heaven #babygirl #forever #OneInAMillion."
The film is based on the bestselling book, Aaliyah: More Than A Woman, which chronicles the late icon's life from her debut on Star Search to her untimely death in August 2001 at age 22 in a plane crash. It will be directed by Bradley Walsh (Turn The Beat Around) with a script from Brown Sugar screenwriter Michael Elliot.
Aaliyah: Princess of R&B is set to premiere this fall.
What do you think of the family's concerns? Do you agree? Let us know in the comment section below!
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