Missy Elliott biopic in the works. Who will play Aaliyah?

[EvelynNesbit1906]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 1:57am

From Comingsoon.net

Universal Pictures has acquired a pitch from screenwriter Dianne Houston (Take the Lead) based on rapper Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott's life, reports Variety. Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal are on board to produce through Tribeca Films along with Elliott's manager Mona Scott.

The deal for her biopic follows films based on two of rap's biggest male names, 50 Cent (Get Rich or Die Tryin') and Eminem (8 Mile). Universal distributed the latter.

Born in Portsmouth, VA, in 1971, Elliott began her musical career with the girl group Sista. She then segued to a producing career before breaking out as a solo artist more than 10 years ago.

The project is currently untitled.

===================================

I'm a fan of Missy so I actually look forward to this - assuming it will focus more on her unusual childhood and how the very surreal content of her music/music videos was influenced by it than all the bling bling. But... I'm an even bigger fan of Aaliyah, and I'll be surprised if she isn't incorporated into the story (given how strong Missy's feelings were for her even when she was alive).

[StageManager2]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 2:03am

What was unusual about Missy's childhood?

[EvelynNesbit1906]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 2:14am

Traumatic is a better word.

http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=33

[Effie Im TIRED]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 1:59pm

I have a feeling this movie will be great.. I know her life was interesting.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 3:23pm

I CRIED when I found out Aaliyah died. And I love Missy, so I will be there for the movie's opening.

[Fiction Writer]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 3:46pm

For some reason Tyra pops up, but ew. No more acting for Tyra. EVER.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 3:47pm

Isn't Tyra waaaay too old?

[Fiction Writer]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 3:52pm

Probably. She's too busy trying to be the next Oprah. I'm not sure why Tyra popped into my head... I don't think it's cause she's black, but maybe cause she's black and gorgeous? I don't know.

Maybe they can just show footage of Aaliyah, but not in QUEEN OF THE DAMNED. I hated the whole thing, even her. Sorry, Aaliyah. I know it ain't your fault.

[Effie Im TIRED]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 4:45pm

Tyra cannot sing, dance, or act like the marvelous Aaliyah, so I think Tyra should stick to her Oprah impersonations.

Whoever plays Aaliyah will be scrutinized heavily by fans, I already feel sorry for the actress.

[EvelynNesbit1906]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 4:02am

Yeah, I'm pretty disturbed/fascinated/saddened by Aaliyah's death too. It was almost a reel time event like 9/11. Granted, there was no footage of the plane going down, but videos of everything before and after that have been posted on youtube.--> BET was filming the Bahamas shoot and vacation. And in July 2001, MTV Diary: Aaliyah aired as what was pretty much a literal countdown to her death, unintentionally.
How freaky was it to watch Aaliyah and her friends screaming on an amusement park ride on a July edition of MTV Diary, and later realize that the same people actually did fall from the sky the following month? There is obviously voyeuristic interest in her life and death - probably enough to make a biopic about her a lucrative venture, even more than this planned Missy film.
Updated On: 6/17/06 at 04:02 AM

[JerseyGirl2]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 12:30pm

I wonder if they will talk about Missy's looooooove life? Could be VERY interesting.

Updated On: 6/17/06 at 12:30 PM

[EvelynNesbit1906]

Posted: 6/17/06 at 12:42pm

I have read that it's off-topic in interviews because she's a lesbian (or bisexual?) and does not want to alienate her homophobic black fan base.

[Effie Im TIRED]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 2:06am

I will never forget the month Aaliyah died...

Missy is a total lesbian... I wish Timbaland was gay, because he looks sooooooo good lately. Has anyone seen him? Those muscles! Ay dios mio.