John Boyega lands the role of Otis Redding in the upcoming biopic “Otis & Zelma.”
According to reports, the biopic will follow the life of the singer and his wife. Zelma. Channing Godfrey Peoples will direct the film and it was written by Donnetta Lavinia Grays. Fifth Season, Homegrown Pictures, and Kinfolk Management + Media will produce the film. Danielle Deadwyler will star alongside Boyega as Zelma Redding.
“Otis & Zelma,” will focus on the couple’s 10-year relationship until his tragic death in 1967 at the age of 26. The film will also touch on Zelma’s “efforts over the past 56 years to preserve her husband’s musical legacy.”
Throughout his career, Redding earned two Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and has been inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He will posthumously receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 4.
“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is honored to dedicate a star to the legendary Otis Redding, whose music continues to inspire generations,” Ana Martinez, producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies said in a statement. Redding’s daughter, Karla Redding, will accept the award on his behalf.
Zelma Redding reflected on her late husband’s legacy in an interview. “He left so much special music for everybody. But I really have to commend my family and myself to continue this legacy because you cannot have a legacy if you don’t work it. We have everything we need for Otis Redding and that’s why we work so hard to preserve and protect his legacy. We wouldn’t know any way to do it without it.”