John Boyega has been tapped to play the legendary soul singer Otis Redding in the new film Otis & Zelma, a biopic following the artist’s long-term relationship with his widow, Zelma Redding.
Boyega, best known for his role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, will act opposite Danielle Deadwyler, known for her work in the 2022 film Till. According to Variety, the film will chronicle the life of Otis Redding and track “the 10 short years Otis and Zelma had together, and their eternal love story after his passing.” The logline continues: “Zelma’s resilience and determination to preserve his musical legacy for the last 56 years fuels her, just as much as Otis’ love for Zelma fueled him.”
Known for his hits like “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay,” “Respect,” “These Arms of Mine,” “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” and “Hard to Handle,” Otis Redding quickly became a soul music superstar in the ’60s — before then, he met Zelma as an 18-year-old and they married in 1961. Redding’s budding career was tragically cut short when he died in a plane crash in 1967. He was 26 years old.
Otis & Zelma will be directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples with a screenplay penned by Donnetta Lavinia Grays. Variety notes that the film has received the full support of Zelma Redding and the Otis Redding estate. Meanwhile, coinciding with the film’s announcement, Otis will be posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, October 4th.