Mary J to play Nina Simone

The checks keep coming in for Mary J. Blige, who has signed on to play jazz icon Nina Simone after years of being rumored as a favorite for the role. Mary J. Blige has signed on to play Nina Simone in a biopic of the legendary singer. The Brave One writer Cynthia Mort penned the script for the film, which is currently titled Nina . Mort is also set to direct the film, which focuses on Simone’s relationship later in life with her assistant Clifton Henderson, played by David Oyelowo (The Last King of Scotland).

With a current budget of $10 million, the film is scheduled to begin shooting in France this September.

For those of you unfamiliar with Nina Simone’s work, check out footage from one of her performance’s below:

This is definitely a big deal for Mary — she hasn’t done a lot of acting and she’s been entrusted with a very difficult job, portraying a woman who was an important civil rights activist in addition to her accomplishments as a legendary singer and musician. While Blige’s diva status ensures she can relate to the music icon on some level, this role will undoubtedly present some challenges to Mary.

Are you confident that Mary is capable of the role? Or do you think the part should have gone to a more experienced actress?

Bossip.com