Dionne Warwick, the American pop sensation of the 60s and the 70s, will have her own biopic. Teyana Taylor is set to don the role of the iconic singer, with her production company, The Aunties, involved in the film’s production. Warwick has significant creative control over the biopic and personally handpicked Taylor for the role.
Dionne Warwick was initially taken aback by the striking resemblance
Dionne Warwick stopped by the Today studio to discuss her new album DWuets. Amidst conversations with the hosts about her soon-to-be-released musical project, the focus then shifted to her new biopic, which is currently in development. When one of the hosts mentioned that she had decided to cast Taylor in the lead role of the biopic, she recalled that her son, Damon Elliott, had sent a side-by-side photograph of Taylor and a younger version of herself, which set the ball rolling.
Initially, she joked that she was hesitant to believe that they both looked alike. “My son Damon sent me a photograph of Teyana and an older photograph of me side by side. And I looked at it, and I said, ‘Oh, my God, that’s not me,’ I thought,” adding, ‘I have to talk to my daddy about this, wait a minute.’”
However, she eventually met her and informed the hosts that Taylor came across as a “personable young lady” who was very talented. “Then I met her; she’s such a personable young lady and very talented, and she was very excited about even being thought of to do it.”
“I Say a Little Prayer” singer further appreciated the multitalented actress, implying that she is authentic in her approach, just like her. “She says what she means. That really surprised me. I thought, ‘Oh God, she is me,'” she said.
Apart from Taylor’s production house, Warwick’s son Damon Elliott is also backing the film through his production house Elliott Entertainment. Therefore, the Warwick family is closely involved in shaping the film.
Furthermore, Taylor had indicated in an earlier interview that she would be lip-syncing the songs in the movie out of respect for Dionne Warwick’s impressive vocal range. As per media reports, Taylor is constantly in touch with the legendary pop icon to avoid over-dramatization and keep the story authentic and respectful.
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