Janelle Monaé is ready for her closeup as one of the world’s biggest Black icons.
According to Deadline, Monaé has signed on to star as Josephine Baker in a new TV series, De La Resistance. Hailing from A24, the series will focus on Baker’s role as an Allied spy during World War II.
As a spy for the French, Baker helped the Allied Forces defeat Nazi Germany, all the while living as one of the biggest superstars and pop culture icons of the day, including her title as the first Black woman to star in a mainstream feature film.
Monaé will produce via her production company Wondaland as well as star.
Jennifer Yale is the creator and showrunner behind the project.
Deadline cites how Monaé has constantly used Baker as a personal fashion touchstone in her career, including this past Met Gala, where she wore an outfit similar to something Baker would have worn during her heyday in the 1920s.
This is the latest in a string of Baker projects taking shape for film and television.
Ruth Negga has signed on to play the iconic star in a limited series called Josephine. The series is produced via ABC Signature Studios and LeBron James’ Springhill production company. David Makes Man showrunner Dee Harris-Lawrence and director Millicent Shelton are spearheading the series, with Harris-Lawrence writing and Shelton directing. Along with The Springhill Company and Harris-Lawrence, Negga will also executive produce.
Paula Patton is also set to star as Baker in a project based on Sherry Jones’ novel, Josephine Baker’s Last Dance. The project is still in the early stages and is looking for a writer. Patton is in the producer’s chair as well, having optioned the film and television rights of the novel.
