Queen Latifah biopic in the works, produced by Will Smith

Queen Latifah’s life story comes to the screen!

On Thursday, September 19, Latifah, 54, and her partner at Flavor Unit Entertainment, Shakim Compere, announced that they are developing a biopic about the Chicago The star's life is part of a larger agreement with Westbrook Studios and Jesse Collins Entertainment to produce a series of biopics about the lives and careers of hip-hop artists.

Will Smith will also work on the film as a producer through Westbrook Studios.

“We all entered this industry together and hip hop has shaped each and every one of us. Hip hop's influence goes beyond music and has left a lasting impression on culture and society at large,” Latifah, 54, and Compere said in a statement. “It's a dream to be able to collaborate with friends and colleagues who not only share a common understanding, but are able to tell these stories that have formed the backdrop of our lives.”

Smith, 55, added in a statement: “I am thrilled to partner with Flavor Unit, Jesse Collins Entertainment and HarbourView to highlight the incredible stories of some of our most beloved artists and icons. There is no better story than that of Queen Latifah, an undisputed legend who has entertained and inspired us for so many years.”

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Latifah, whose real name is Dana Elaine Owens, celebrated her breakthrough in 1989 with the release of her debut album Long live the QueenShe has released seven studio albums as a rapper and singer and also launched an acting career that began in 1991 with roles in Spike Lee’s Jungle fever And House Party 2. Over the last three decades, she has also appeared in films such as taxi, Hairspray And Burn down the house and won a Golden Globe Award, an Emmy Award and a Grammy Award. Most recently, Latifah was seen in the CBS series “The Last Man.” The equalizer since 2021.

“Queen Latifah's story is a success story that needs to be shared with the world. Working with such amazing people to educate and inspire through storytelling is just the beginning of the impact this partnership will have,” Jesse Collins Entertainment CEO Jesse Collins said in a statement.

There is no information yet on the cast, news on who will write and direct the upcoming biopic, or information on other projects the production companies will collaborate on.