Lizzo to play Sister Rosetta Tharpe in upcoming biopic

Lizzo has been slated to play Sister Rosetta Tharpe in the upcoming biopic, Rosetta.

Written by Natalie Chaidez and Kwynn Perry, the movie tells the story of how Tharpe became the “godmother of Rock & Roll.” While there is not yet a director attached, the film will be produced by Lizzo, Kevin Beisler, Nina Yang Bongiovi and Forest Whitaker.

According to an early description of the movie, it “captures a pivotal period in her life — one of groundbreaking innovation, defiant passion, and secret love. As she shatters musical boundaries with her signature guitar sound, Rosetta must navigate societal constraints, conceal her love for another woman, and ultimately transform a wedding into one of the most legendary concerts in history — the first stadium show.”

Tharpe was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, and over the course of her life, has influenced musicians like Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Johnny Cash.

Lizzo was first seen on film with 2019’s Hustlers. She’s recently returned to music with two new singles, ‘Love in Real Life’ and ‘Still Bad,’ with an album on the way.