Posted by | Ray Cornelius
BroadwayWorld.com is reporting that Avatar beauty Zoe Saldana is in early talks to play the late singer, actress, activist, dancer and Broadway star, Eartha Kitt in an untitled biopic for the big screen.
Reportedly, the film will follow Kitt’s rise to fame through the late 60’s including her landmark role as Catwoman on Batman as well as her vocal opposition to the war in Vietnam, which led to her being “blackballed” by Hollywood.
This is not Saldana’s first time portraying a musical artist. In 2012, we reported that she was playing the life of the high priestess of Soul, Nina Simone for a biopic that has yet to be released. Saldana received a lot of criticism for taking the role that many felt should have been played by an actress that resembled Simone such as Adepero Oduye or Viola Davis or even singer India.Arie.
It will be interesting to see Saldana’s take on Kitt, who was known for her iconic growl and was considered by the late Orson Wells as “the most exciting woman in the world.”
Kitt eventually regained her status as a Hollywood contender with her role as Shaleem-La-Lume in Broadway’s Timbuktu in 1978. She would later make guest appearances on numerous television shows and films during the 80’s and 90’s, including the scene stealing part of Lady Eloise in Eddie Murphy’s classic Boomerang.
She also enjoyed another Broadway revival in the 2000’s starring in such iconic musicals as The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella and Nine.
Kitt died of colon cancer on Christmas Day, December 25, 2008, at her home in Weston, Connecticut. She was 81-years-old.
RC will keep you posted as more information about this project surfaces.
What are your thoughts about Zoe Saldana playing Eartha Kitt?
Photo Credit: WorldofBlackHeroes.com
