Queen Latifah is working on a biopic about her life with Will Smith

Dana Elaine Owens, higher known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is preparing to direct a feature film based on her life story, starring Will Smith.

On ThursdayHarbourView Equity Partners, founded by Sherrese Clarke Soares, has announced plans to develop a “series” of hip-hop biopics Instagram post.

“We are thrilled to join forces to produce a slate of hip-hop biopics featuring these powerhouse acts, starting with Queen Latifah’s story. More to come,” the post reads.

People Magazine reports that the project might be made in collaboration with Latifah’s Flavor Unit Entertainment partner Shakim Compere, Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Jesse Collins Entertainment. Smith will produce.

“We all came into this industry together, and hip-hop has shaped each and every one of us. Hip-hop’s influence has transcended the music and left a lasting impression on the culture and society as a whole,” Latifah, 54, and Compere said in a statement, based on People.

She added: “It’s a dream come true to collaborate with friends and colleagues who not only share our understanding but also can tell the stories that have been the backdrop of our lives.”

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Latifah, a native of Newark, New Jersey, first entered the entertainment industry as a rapper in 1989, releasing her debut album, “All Hail the Queen.” She also began her acting profession in 1991 in Spike Lee’s movies “Jungle Fever” and “House Party 2,” before starring within the cult classic film “Set It Off” in 1996 and on the hit sitcom “Living Single,” which aired from 1993 to 1998. Over the course of her profession, she has released seven studio albums, including a jazz album. She has won a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and a Grammy. Latifah most recently starred within the CBS series “The Equalizer,” which has been airing since 2021.

Neither Smith nor Latifiah are recent to biopics. Latifah played Bessie Smith in HBO’s jazz singer biopic “Bessie.” Smith has since played Muhammad Ali in “Ali” and Chris Gardener in “The Pursuit of Happyness.”

According to Hollywood ReporterSmith added in a statement: “When you bring talented people and teams together, you can create something truly special.”

“I’m thrilled to be working with Flavor Unit, Jesse Collins Entertainment and HarbourView to highlight the incredible stories of some of our favorite artists and icons,” he continued. “There’s no better story to start with than Queen Latifah, an undisputed legend who has entertained and inspired us for so many years.”