Zendaya fans are already seeing an Oscar in her future after she nabbed the role of singer Ronnie Spector in Be My Baby, a biopic about the late Ronettes singer.
The actress, 28, was first in talks to play Ronnie five years ago, but Deadline is now reporting she has indeed been cast to play Spector.
Ronnie, who was an executive producer on the film, specifically picked Zendaya to play her in the A24 biopic.
In addition to Zendaya’s casting, the publication reported Oscar-winning screenwriter Barry Jenkins – who helmed Moonlight – has signed on to direct the biopic and Dave Kajganich will write the original screenplay.
On X, fans claimed this will be the role that lands Zendaya her first Oscar nomination.
‘Remember this tweet… Zendaya is getting an Oscar for this! I see the vision,’ one tweeted.
Zendaya fans are already seeing an Oscar in her future after she nabbed the role of singer Ronnie Spector in a biopic about the late Ronettes singer, Be My Baby
Zendaya was first in talks to play Ronnie, pictured, in 2020
‘Zendaya your Oscar is coming,’ one posted.
‘Oscar…loading…’
‘Zendaya better be ready for her Oscar award,’ another tweeted.
‘Zendayas first Oscar nomination!!!!’ another predicted.
‘Zendaya it’s time to get the Oscar nom,’ one wrote.
Ronnie’s estate appeared to confirm the news as they posted a screenshot of the film update and a message of approval over the new additions.
‘The Estate of Ronnie Spector is thrilled to have Barry Jenkins at the helm of this deeply personal film. Ronnie handpicked Zendaya to portray her and we know this dynamic duo will bring her story to the screen in the most authentic way,’ they posted.
Sources told Deadline that Zendaya and Jenkins had decided on a film that will bring audiences inside Ronnie’s life with her then-husband, the infamously unstable music producer Phil Spector, as opposed to a typical biopic that chronicles the subject’s entire lifespan.
Zendaya shared this selfie with Ronnie when she paid tribute to the actress following her death in 2022
Oscar-winning Barry Jenkins, who helmed Moonlight, will direct Be My Baby; pictured 2019
Born Veronica Yvette Bennett, Ronnie grew up in Spanish Harlem, before forming the girl group The Ronettes with her older sister Estelle Bennett and cousin Nedra Talley
Their musical resume includes the hit song Walking In The Rain
Fans predicted Be My Baby could lead to Zendaya nabbing her first Oscar
Kajganich is reportedly working on a screenplay reflecting Zendaya and Jenkins’ vision.
Deadline notes that the deals over Ronnie’s life rights and her memoir, Be My Baby, are still in place.
Ronnie, whose hits include Baby I Love You and Be My Baby, died of cancer at age 78 in 2022.
Zendaya paid tribute to Ronnie following her death and shared a selfie the two had taken together.
‘To speak about her as if she’s not with us feels strange as she is so incredibly full of life,’ Zendaya said. ‘There’s not a time I saw her without her iconic red lips and full teased hair, a true rockstar through and through.’
The Emmy-winning actress said that knowing Ronnie had been one of ‘the greatest honors’ of her life, and recalled details of the time they spent together.
Spector pictured on Watch What Happens Live in 2019
The ladies were signed by infamously unstable record producer Phil Spector, 80, whom Ronnie married in 1968; the group pictured 1962
‘Thank you for sharing your life with me, I could listen to your stories for hours and hours,’ Zendaya said. ‘Thank you for your unmeasured talent, your unwavering love for performing, your strength, resilience and your grace.
‘There is absolutely nothing that could dim the light you cast. I admire you so much and am so grateful for the bond we share.’
The Euphoria actress said that Ronnie was ‘a magical force of greatness and the world of music will never be the same.
‘I wish everyone got to experience you the way I did. We celebrate your beautiful life and give you all the flowers you so rightfully deserve. Rest in great power Ronnie. I hope I make you proud.’
Born Veronica Yvette Bennett, Ronnie grew up in Spanish Harlem, before forming the girl group The Ronettes with her older sister Estelle Bennett and cousin Nedra Talley.
The ladies were signed by Phil, whom Ronnie married in 1968.
Ronnie pictured in 2017
According to her biography, Phil subjected her to years of psychological abuse, keeping her as a prisoner in her own home, with barbwire fences, guard dogs and confiscating her shoes to keep her from running away.
Ronnie fought him for the rights to her music in their subsequent divorce, which was finalized in 1974, before she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 with her fellow Ronettes.
Ronnie was married to Phil until 1974 and they have three adopted children, Donte, Gary, and Louis, together. Years later, Phil would be convicted of the 2003 murder of actress Lana Clarkson.
Ronnie remarried in 1983 to Jonathan Greenfield, her manager, whom she remained married to until her death. They have sons Jason and Austin together.
