Regina King has been set to take on the role of Shirley Chisholm, America’s first Black congresswoman, in John Ridley’s Shirley.
King will also produce the film which tracks Chisholm’s 1972 presidential campaign, a groundbreaking historical moment, giving what’s described as “an intimate, behind-the-scenes portrait of one of the most ground-breaking political leaders of our time.”
“Shirley Chisholm’s fearless determination has been an inspiration to so many of us, and with this film, we hope to inspire many generations to come,” King said in a statement.
Chisholm was most recently portrayed in the TV series ‘Mrs America’ which saw feminists from all across the American subcontinent rally to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, Phylis Schlafly (Cate Blanchett), a conservative activist, opposes it. Uzo Aduba played Chisholm.
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King will produce under her Royal Ties Productions banner with Reina King. Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren will executive produce.
Ridley added: “Regina’s passion for bringing a complete and very human portrait of Shirley to life has been evident since literally the day we first met. I’m very thankful to both Regina and Reina for trusting me to partner in telling the story of this truly remarkable individual.”
King recently made her directorial debut with ‘One Night in Miami’.
