Barry Jenkins and Zendaya Team Up for Ronnie Spector Biopic
In an exciting collaboration, director Barry Jenkins and actress Zendaya are set to bring the remarkable story of music icon Ronnie Spector to the silver screen, as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter.
About the Project
Jenkins will helm the film, while Zendaya has been chosen to portray the legendary songstress who co-founded the celebrated 1960s girl group, The Ronettes. The screenplay, crafted by Dave Kajganich, delves into Spector’s life, highlighting her rise to fame alongside hits such as “Be My Baby” and “Walking in the Rain.”
A Deep Dive Into Personal Struggles
Rather than adhering to a traditional biographical format, this portrayal aims to offer audiences a deeply immersive experience, focusing on Spector’s tumultuous relationship with the notorious producer, Phil Spector.
Legacy of an Icon
Ronnie Spector, who passed away in January 2022 at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer, was instrumental to the girl-group sound that defined an era. Her powerful vocals, combined with the unique production style of Phil Spector, made the Ronettes one of the standout acts of their time. They gained international acclaim, famously touring with The Rolling Stones and forming friendships with The Beatles.
Challenges and Triumphs
After a stint of touring in Germany in 1967, the Ronettes disbanded. Ronnie married Phil Spector in 1968, later recounting troubling experiences of confinement in their Beverly Hills home. Her autobiography, Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts and Madness, exposes a narrative filled with hardship and abuse, culminating in their divorce in 1974. Phil Spector’s life ended in prison, where he was incarcerated for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson in 2009, passing away in 2020.
Production Details
The spec script garnered significant interest, leading to A24 acquiring it in 2022. Alongside Jenkins and Zendaya, producers involved in bringing this project to fruition include Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, Mark Itkin, and Tom Shelly, with Jonathan Greenfield serving as executive producer.
For those eager for updates, Deadline was the first source to report on this intriguing biopic project developed by A24.