On the heels of the recent announcement that Danielle Brooks would star as Mahalia Jackson in a Lifetime television movie, a new theatrical film has been announced on the gospel legend as well.

For this project, Mahalia!, Jill Scott will star as Jackson. Queen Latifah and Jamie Foxx are producing. Latifah’s partner, Shakim Compere, and The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel executive producer Holly Carter will also EP. Latifah also produced The Clark Sisters.

It is written by Richard Hocutt, Mark Gould and Tricia Woodgett, based on the novel Mahalia Jackson by Darlene Donloe.

Unlike the Lifetime project, as Deadline reported in their exclusive story on this development, Mahalia! has the rights to Jackson’s entire music catalog.

“I am beyond grateful to be able to partner with Latifah and Shakim again and equally excited that Jamie has joined the team. Much like The Clark Sisters, Mahalia! is another epic story of faith that is driven by powerful and uplifting music. I believe Ms. Scott was a God send and will be absolute perfection in the lead role”, said Carter.

Latifah added, “This is such an incredibly important story to tell and we’re thrilled to work with Jamie on the project. Shakim and I are also looking forward to reteaming with our Clark Sisters producing partner, Holly Carter, to share Mahalia’s inspiring journey to becoming the Queen of Gospel music,” says Latifah.

 

READ MORE: 

Danielle Brooks To Star In ‘The Mahalia Jackson Story’ At Lifetime

 

Photo: Getty