It’s been a long time coming for Zendaya and A24’s Ronnie Spector biopic. The Challengers actress has been attached to play the rock music legend since 2020, but now the film has a very significant update. Variety reports Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins will direct the movie, titled Be My Baby.
It’s a powerhouse duo that A24 is putting together for the film. Zendaya, who worked with them previously on Euphoria and the upcoming rom-com The Drama, is one of the hottest actresses in Hollywood right now. Jenkins also returns to A24, having won Oscars in 2016 for Moonlight.
Dave Kajganich wrote the script, which centers on the 1960s rock music icon, her rise to fame as part of The Ronettes, and her turbulent marriage to music producer Phil Spector. The relationship turned out to be extremely abusive, with Phil literally installing bars into the windows of their mansion to keep her locked inside. When she was able to leave the house, Ronnie had to drive with a life-size dummy of Phil. Unsurprisingly, she turned to alcohol to cope, which only made things worse. Eventually, Ronnie filed for divorce and sued Phil for the rights to her music. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 with the rest of The Ronettes.
Spector died in 2022, but before that she handpicked Zendaya for this role which must’ve been such a huge honor. The choice was an easy one. Zendaya is a phenomenal actress and she has incredible musical ability with an established singing career. It’s a role tailor-made for her, and A24 could have a critical and box office smash on their hands.
