‘Black Lightning’ Star Jill Scott To Play Mahalia Jackson In Musical Biopic

Following the critical and commercial success of big-budget films like Rocketman and Bohemian Rhapsody, Hollywood continues to seek out the amazing true stories of legendary performers.  Up next, one powerfully soulful singer-songwriter will play another in an upcoming musical biopic. As first reported by Deadline, three-time Grammy Award winner Jill Scott will star as the Queen of Gospel, Mahalia Jackson.

The film, titled Mahalia!, will also be produced by Golden Globe Award winners Jamie Foxx and Queen Latifah. The film will focus on the incredible life and times of the late Gospel singer. Mahalia Jackson is one of the most influential gospel singers and civil rights activists in the world. Between 1927–1971, Jackson embarked on an unlikely journey to make a difference as a black woman in America and inspire using her Christian faith. The platinum-selling recording artist became a mentor to Aretha Franklin while helping to inspire Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as he wrote his “I Have a Dream” speech.

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Mahalia! is co-written by Richard Hocutt, Mark Gould, and Tricia Woodgett. Additionally, the story is based on  Darlene Donloe’s 1992 novel. In a statement to Deadline, Executive Producer Queen Latifah expressed her excitement for the film’s development.

“This is such an incredibly important story to tell and we’re thrilled to work with Jamie on the project. Shakim and I are also looking forward to reteaming with our Clark Sisters producing partner, Holly Carter, to share Mahalia’s inspiring journey to becoming the Queen of Gospel music,” says Latifah.

Jill Scott is also a platinum-selling recording artist. However, the performer has also transitioned to an acting career in both film and TV. Most recently, Scott starred as the supervillain Lady Eve in DC’s Black Lightning.

What do you think? Are you looking forward to the upcoming biopic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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