We’ve got the first look at Lupita Nygong’o in the upcoming drama The Queen of Katwe. In other movie news, it has been confirmed Beyonce has NO ties to the Saartjie Baartman biopic despite rumors saying she’s affiliated with the film. Get it all inside….
After a seriously heavy press run for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, gorgeous Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o is gearing up to hit the promo trail again. This time for her newest movie, The Queen of Katwe. But before she starts slaying red carpets all over the world, we have the first look at the YBF actress in the biographical drama about a Ugandan chess prodigy.
Mira Nair’s The Queen of Katwe tells the story of a young girl from the slums of Kampala who follows her heart and chases her dream of becoming an international chess champion, based on a book by Tim Crothers.
Newbie Madina Nalwanga will play chess prodigy Phiona Mutsei and Lupita will star as Phiona’s mother Harriet Mutesi. Also joining the cast is YBF actor David Oyelowo who will play a missionary who teaches chess to local kids.
Filming the movie was a homecoming of sorts for Lupita as it was shot mostly in Uganda, which is right next door to Kenya, where she grew up. Nice!
We can expect The Queen of Katwe to hit theaters this fall.
In other movie news…
Rumors popped up on the Internet recently stating Beyonce would be writing a screenplay and starring in a biopic about Saartjie (Sarah) Baartman, the South African woman who appeared in freak shows because of her physical features (mainly her voluptuous derrière) during the 1800s. Well, it’s not true!
Bey’s rep issued a statement to Billboard shooting down the rumors saying, "Beyonce is in no way tied to this project. This is an important story that should be told, however."
So, there you have it.
EXTRAS:
1. "Being Mary Jane" just got renewed for season 4 on BET.
Photos: Disney/Getty
