John Boyega cast as Otis Redding in upcoming ‘Otis & Zelma’ biopic
The film will chronicle the late soul icon's life and romance with his widow Zelma
by Surej Singh · NMEJohn Boyega has been tapped to star as Otis Redding in an upcoming biopic of the late soul icon’s life.
The film, titled Otis & Zelma, per a Variety report is being directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples (Miss Juneteenth) and will see Danielle Deadwyler as Otis’ widow Zelma Redding.
Otis & Zelma will reportedly chronicle the life and career of Otis Redding and “the 10 short years Otis and Zelma had together, and their eternal love story after his passing.” The logline continues: “Zelma’s resilience and determination to preserve his musical legacy for the last 56 years fuels her, just as much as Otis’ love for Zelma fueled him.”
With revisions by Godfrey Peoples, Otis & Zelma is written by acclaimed playwright, screenwriter and actor Donnetta Lavinia Grays.
Best known for his hits like ‘(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay’, ‘Respect’, ‘These Arms Of Mine’, ‘I’ve Been Loving You Too Long’ and ‘Hard To Handle’, Otis Redding rose to prominence as a soul musician in the 1960s. Prior to his fame, Otis at the age of 18 met Zelma and they got married in 1961. He tragically died in a plane crash in 1967 at the age of 26 and left behind three kinds with Zelma.
Variety‘s report also notes that the upcoming film – which has yet to receive a release date – “has the full support of Zelma Redding and the Otis Redding estate”. Additionally, John Boyega and Danielle Deadwyler will executive produce.
The film’s announcement coincides with Otis Redding posthumously receiving his Hollywood Walk Of Fame star later today (October 4).