Zoe Saldana may be Hollywood’s new go-to-girl when casting biopics. The rumor mill is buzzing that Saldana is in talks to play the lead in an Eartha Kitt biopic.
35-year-old actress Saldana would tackle the title role in the film about Kitt’s rise to fame and her illustrious career, which spanned over 60 years until her death in 2008. The actor, singer, dancer and activist with the instantly recognizable voice took over replaced Julie Newmar as Catwoman in the Batman television series. In the 60s, she faced a professional setback when voiced opposition about the Vietnam war at a White House luncheon during Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidential term. Her career flourished in the 90s, with a guest starring role in Boomerang alongside Eddie Murphy.
The project is in early development and could take years to bring to the screen considering the usual legal tangles associated with making biopics. Kitt wrote three autobiographies before her death in December 2008. Her music also made a splash on the Billboard charts and with organizations she supported to bring awareness to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Saldana portrays Nina Simone in an upcoming biopic Nina and is attached to Kill The Trumpet Player a film about the life of jazz musician Miles Davis.
“It did sting for a bit that a community that you feel most identified with would have such a negative backlash and you’re at the epicenter of it all. It was very disappointing,” she said when asked about portraying Nina Simone.
Saldana has not confirmed the talks or responded to the backlash from being considered to play the icon. After all, she could be too busy preparing for her role as Rosemary Woodhouse in the television mini-series version of Rosemary’s Baby. She’ll play Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy and will also reprise her role as princess Neytiri in the Avatar sequel and forthcoming franchise.