Zendaya's long-awaited biopic Be My Baby has been given an exciting update, with a big director jumping on board.
In 2020, it was confirmed that the Challengers star would portray legendary singer Ronnie Spector, who was part of girl group the Ronettes, though updates on the project have been few and far between since.
It has now been confirmed by Deadline that Mufasa and Moonlight Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins has joined as director, with Suspiria's Dave Kajganich writing the screenplay, taking over from the previously-attached Jackie Sibblies Drury.
Be My Baby will reportedly depict Spector's troubled life with producer Phil Spector, with deals in place for Spector's life rights and her memoir of the same name.
Spector, who had hand-picked Zendaya to play her, was attached as an executive producer before her death in 2022.
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The film is one of several big projects ahead for Zendaya, including Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey – which will co-star her boyfriend Tom Holland – as well as Shrek 5 and The Drama with Robert Pattinson.
Earlier this year, the actor opened up about transitioning to playing more adult roles after portraying teenagers for many years.
"For so long, I was playing a teenager, way past when I was one," she told The Hollywood Reporter's Actress Roundtable.
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"Being able to play Rue [on Euphoria] has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. But there comes a time where you've got to start playing your own age and beyond. And it was a scary thing."
Speaking about her acclaimed turn in last year's Challengers, she added: "Challengers was my first time in a leading lady role and being a part of the producing aspect. It was all very exciting and also daunting.
"But when you read certain characters, you're like, 'I just can't pass up the opportunity to play this woman.'"
Be My Baby is yet to confirm a release date.
Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
