A24 is expanding its collaboration with Hollywood megastar Zendaya as she takes on the role of legendary singer Ronnie Spector in an upcoming biopic. But that’s not all—Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins is stepping in to direct, while acclaimed screenwriter Dave Kajganich has been tapped to craft an original screenplay. This powerhouse team aims to deliver an immersive cinematic experience rather than a conventional cradle-to-grave biopic, offering audiences a deeper look into Spector’s life, especially her complex relationship with troubled producer Phil Spector.
A Unique Take on Ronnie Spector’s Story
Unlike standard biopics that follow a linear life journey, this film will focus on capturing the emotional essence of Spector’s experiences. Sources reveal that Zendaya and Jenkins, who have been eager to collaborate for some time, landed on an interpretation that allows viewers to feel the intensity of Spector’s highs and lows rather than just watch events unfold. This expressive approach is designed to pull audiences into the heart of the singer’s personal and professional struggles.
Heavyweight Production Team & Legacy Approval
The film, which remains in development, boasts a stellar production team. A24 acquired the highly sought-after project back in 2022 and will produce alongside industry heavyweights Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, Mark Itkin, Tom Shelly, and Zendaya herself. Jonathan Greenfield has also signed on as an executive producer, ensuring that the project remains true to Spector’s story. Notably, before her passing, Ronnie Spector was involved in the film’s production and personally handpicked Zendaya to portray her—a detail that adds even more authenticity to the project.
Additionally, Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak, Jenkins’ partners at Pastel, will join as producers, further cementing this film as a major A-list production.
Zendaya’s Growing Partnership with A24
This project marks yet another collaboration between Zendaya and A24, reinforcing her strong relationship with the prestigious studio. Fans will recognize her work in the Emmy-winning HBO series Euphoria, also backed by A24, as well as The Drama, her upcoming film with Robert Pattinson. Zendaya continues to solidify her reputation as a versatile actress, balancing commercial hits with thought-provoking roles.
Represented by CAA, Monster Talent Management, and Granderson Des Rochers, Zendaya’s career trajectory keeps climbing. Her dedication to transformative roles makes her the perfect choice for embodying Ronnie Spector’s legacy on screen.
Barry Jenkins: A Filmmaker at His Peak
Barry Jenkins is no stranger to A24, having previously directed Moonlight, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. His other notable projects include If Beale Street Could Talk, which received three Oscar nominations and won Best Film at the Independent Spirit Awards, and The Underground Railroad, a critically acclaimed limited series that earned him a Golden Globe and a BAFTA.
Jenkins’ recent work also speaks to his commercial success—his Disney film Mufasa has grossed over $700 million worldwide, making it one of 2024’s top-performing films. His ability to blend emotional depth with cinematic brilliance makes him the ideal choice to bring Ronnie Spector’s story to life.
Dave Kajganich’s Strong Screenwriting Credentials
Screenwriter Dave Kajganich is hard at work crafting an expressive and compelling screenplay. His impressive résumé includes three films with director Luca Guadagnino—A Bigger Splash, Suspiria, and Bones and All. He also created and led the first season of AMC’s The Terror, showcasing his ability to tell rich, atmospheric stories. Represented by Anonymous Content, UTA, and Jackoway, Austen, Tyerman, and Wertheimer, Kajganich’s involvement signals that this biopic will be nothing short of exceptional.
More Big Projects for Barry Jenkins
Beyond this film, Jenkins is keeping busy with high-profile projects. He recently teamed up with Glen Powell for The Natural Order, an adult sci-fi thriller for Universal based on an upcoming novel by Matt Aldrich. Jenkins is also repped by CAA, manager Jewerl Keats Ross, and lawyer Jamie Feldman, ensuring that his career continues its meteoric rise.
Final Thoughts
With an award-winning director, a dynamic actress, and a talented screenwriter, this Ronnie Spector biopic is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films in development. The combination of A24’s innovative approach, Zendaya’s star power, and Barry Jenkins’ storytelling expertise guarantees that audiences will be in for an emotional, visually striking, and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Heavyweight Production Team & Legacy Approval
The film, which remains in development, boasts a stellar production team. A24 acquired the highly sought-after project back in 2022 and will produce alongside industry heavyweights Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, Mark Itkin, Tom Shelly, and Zendaya herself. Jonathan Greenfield has also signed on as an executive producer, ensuring that the project remains true to Spector’s story. Notably, before her passing, Ronnie Spector was involved in the film’s production and personally handpicked Zendaya to portray her—a detail that adds even more authenticity to the project.
Additionally, Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak, Jenkins’ partners at Pastel, will join as producers, further cementing this film as a major A-list production.
Zendaya’s Growing Partnership with A24
This project marks yet another collaboration between Zendaya and A24, reinforcing her strong relationship with the prestigious studio. Fans will recognize her work in the Emmy-winning HBO series Euphoria, also backed by A24, as well as The Drama, her upcoming film with Robert Pattinson. Zendaya continues to solidify her reputation as a versatile actress, balancing commercial hits with thought-provoking roles.
Represented by CAA, Monster Talent Management, and Granderson Des Rochers, Zendaya’s career trajectory keeps climbing. Her dedication to transformative roles makes her the perfect choice for embodying Ronnie Spector’s legacy on screen.
Barry Jenkins: A Filmmaker at His Peak
Barry Jenkins is no stranger to A24, having previously directed Moonlight, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. His other notable projects include If Beale Street Could Talk, which received three Oscar nominations and won Best Film at the Independent Spirit Awards, and The Underground Railroad, a critically acclaimed limited series that earned him a Golden Globe and a BAFTA.
Jenkins’ recent work also speaks to his commercial success—his Disney film Mufasa has grossed over $700 million worldwide, making it one of 2024’s top-performing films. His ability to blend emotional depth with cinematic brilliance makes him the ideal choice to bring Ronnie Spector’s story to life.
Dave Kajganich’s Strong Screenwriting Credentials
Screenwriter Dave Kajganich is hard at work crafting an expressive and compelling screenplay. His impressive résumé includes three films with director Luca Guadagnino—A Bigger Splash, Suspiria, and Bones and All. He also created and led the first season of AMC’s The Terror, showcasing his ability to tell rich, atmospheric stories. Represented by Anonymous Content, UTA, and Jackoway, Austen, Tyerman, and Wertheimer, Kajganich’s involvement signals that this biopic will be nothing short of exceptional.
More Big Projects for Barry Jenkins
Beyond this film, Jenkins is keeping busy with high-profile projects. He recently teamed up with Glen Powell for The Natural Order, an adult sci-fi thriller for Universal based on an upcoming novel by Matt Aldrich. Jenkins is also repped by CAA, manager Jewerl Keats Ross, and lawyer Jamie Feldman, ensuring that his career continues its meteoric rise.
Final Thoughts
With an award-winning director, a dynamic actress, and a talented screenwriter, this Ronnie Spector biopic is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films in development. The combination of A24’s innovative approach, Zendaya’s star power, and Barry Jenkins’ storytelling expertise guarantees that audiences will be in for an emotional, visually striking, and unforgettable cinematic experience.
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