Lifetime didn’t know what they bargained for when they cast Disney’s Zendaya as the lead in their Aaliyah biopic. The former Shake it Up actress and Dancing with The Star’s runner up’s casting was met great backlash from critics. Now it has been confirmed that Zapped star has quit the film. Lifetime broke the news to fans via Twitter.
Lifetime has stalled production on their upcoming biopic about Aaliyah, tentatively titled Aaliyah: The R&B Princess.
Originally, Disney Channel star Zendaya was cast as the lead role in the film. However, fans of Aaliyah were not very happy with the 17-year-old’s casting, and bombarded the starlet on social media.
Zendaya spoke out about the criticism on Twitter in a series of tweets, reading:
“She's been an inspiration and influence in my whole career, her talent still shines brighter than ever, all I wanna do is honor her.”
“Show how much she accomplished in only 22 years....she's beautiful inside and there will never be another Aaliyah, I just hope to share her.”
“beautiful story, and make her proud up in heaven #babygirl #forever #OneInAMillion.”
“I'm just a 17 year old girl who got cast to play one of her biggest inspirations #positive.”
That was not the worst of it. Aaliyah’s family were reporteldy also against the film. TMZ has reported that Aaliyah’s uncle and manager Barry Hankerson, is not happy about the film and is planning to prevent them using any of her music in the movie.
Zendaya has since left the production. The Lifetime PR department confirmed the starlets departure via Twitter, writing:
“We are sad Zendaya will no longer portray Aaliyah. Production is currently on hold.”
Zendaya has moved on by focusing her energies on promoting her new Disney Channel movie Zapped which premiered last week. She has even offered up a chance meet her, tweeting:
“Get Zapped! Enter the Zweepstakes for ur chance 2 meet me and learn my favorite dance from Zapped. #AD Rules:DisneyChannel.com/GetZappedZweeps”
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