Who could forget Angela Bassett‘s brilliant portrayal of Dr. Betty Shabazz in the classic 1992 film Malcolm X? Now, the seasoned actress is switching things up to tackle the role of Coretta Scott King.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bassett will star in the Lifetime TV movie Betty and Coretta (working title) alongside Mary J. Blige as Shabazz. The film, previously titled Parallel Lives, will tell “the dual stories of Coretta and Betty as they carry on as single mothers following the assassinations of their husbands.”
Blige told WENN in June that she’s been studying Shabazz online and watching her interviews in preparation for the role.
Emmy Award winner Ruby Dee will also be featured in the film as a historical witness to narrate the women’s stories.
Production on Betty and Coretta begins in September.
