Otis Redding Biopic 'Otis & Zelma' Finds Leads in John Boyega and Danielle Deadwyler

John Boyega and Danielle Deadwyler are set to portray the iconic soul legend Otis Redding and his widow, Zelma Redding, in the upcoming biopic Otis & Zelma, produced by Fifth Season, Homegrown Pictures, and Kinfolk Management + Media, Variety reports. Directed by the emerging talent Channing Godfrey Peoples, the film explores the life and legacy of Otis Redding, celebrated for his profound impact on music and his unforgettable hits, including “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” “Respect,” “These Arms of Mine,” “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” and “Hard to Handle.”

Tragically, Redding's promising career was cut short when he died in a plane crash in 1967 at the age of 26, leaving behind Zelma and their three young children. The biopic aims to honor his legacy while also delving into the personal story of Zelma as she navigated life after his untimely death. With a talented cast and a compelling narrative, Otis & Zelma promises to be a poignant tribute to a musical icon and the enduring love story between him and his wife.

With revisions by Channing Godfrey Peoples, Otis & Zelma is penned by the acclaimed playwright, screenwriter, and actor Donnetta Lavinia Grays. The film aims to celebrate the ten brief years Otis and Zelma shared together, as well as their enduring love story in the wake of his passing. An early synopsis highlights Zelma’s resilience and determination to uphold Otis's musical legacy over the past 56 years, paralleling the love that inspired Otis during his life.

The announcement of the film coincides with the news that Otis Redding will be posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, October 4. The project enjoys the full support of Zelma Redding and the Otis Redding estate, ensuring an authentic representation of their story. Fifth Season is producing the film alongside Stephanie Allain of Homegrown Pictures and Arron Saxe of Kinfolk Management + Media. Executive producers include Amos Newman, Homegrown Pictures’ Claire Brooks, John Boyega, and Danielle Deadwyler, promising a dedicated team behind this heartfelt tribute to a music legend and his beloved wife.

John Boyega is widely recognized for his role as Finn in the latest Star Wars trilogy and won a Golden Globe in 2021 for his performance in Steve McQueen’s Emmy-nominated miniseries Small Axe. Since his breakout in the BAFTA-nominated sci-fi film Attack the Block (2011), Boyega has built an impressive resume, featuring major films such as They Cloned Tyrone, Gina Prince-Bythewood’s The Woman King, Breaking, and Pacific Rim: Uprising.

Danielle Deadwyler is acclaimed for her portrayal of Mamie Till-Mobley, Emmitt Till’s mother, in the 2022 film Till. Her performance earned her the Outstanding Lead Performance prize at the Gotham Awards and the Breakthrough Performance award from the National Board of Review, along with nominations from BAFTA, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Critics Choice Association. She also received an Independent Spirit TV Award nomination for her role in HBO’s limited series Station Eleven. Currently, she is generating awards buzz for her performance alongside Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington in the Netflix adaptation of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson. Additionally, she will appear in the Netflix action-thriller Carry On, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, and stars in and executive produces the Blumhouse and Universal Pictures thriller The Women in the Yard.

Together, Boyega and Deadwyler bring a wealth of talent and experience to Otis & Zelma, promising a powerful portrayal of the legendary couple.

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