John Boyega and Danielle Deadwyler to Lead Otis Redding Biopic

John Boyega and Danielle Deadwyler (Credit: Shutterstock)

Star Wars actor John Boyega and Till actress Danielle Deadwyler have found their next roles — as legendary singer Otis Redding and his wife Zelma.

Variety reported on Oct. 2, that the biopic is titled Otis & Zelma and will be directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples (Miss Juneteenth).

According to an early synopsis, the film will “celebrate the 10 short years Otis and Zelma had together, and their eternal love story after his passing. 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.”

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Otis & Zelma is produced by Fifth Season alongside Stephanie Allain of Homegrown Pictures and Arron Saxe of Kinfolk Management + Media.

Executive producers include Boyega, Deadwyler, Amos Newman, and Homegrown Pictures’ Claire Brooks.

Zelma and the Otis Redding estate have given their support to the film.

Born in Dawson, Georgia, Otis was only 26 when he died in a plane crash in 1967, leaving Zelma behind with their three young children. 

While his career was cut short, the “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” singer’s impact on the music world continues.

Because of his legacy, on Friday, Oct. 4, Redding will be posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Redding’s daughter, Karla Redding, will accept the star on behalf of her father. Legendary producer Jimmy Jam will emcee the event and rapper Killer Mike is set to give a speech.

A release date for Otis & Zelma will be announced later.