Singer Mary J. Blige has reportedly been taking acting classes in preparation for her starring role in the Nina Simone biopic “Nina.” According to Mary, the film is set to start shooting later this month and will co-star Canadian actor David Oyelowo (The Last King of Scotland).
After making her last film major appearance in Tyler Perry’s 2009 drama “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” Mary said she wanted to delve more into movies and has done that by landing not only the lead role in “Nina,” but a supporting role in the upcoming big screen adaptation of the Broadway play “Rock of Ages.”
Speaking to NY Mag about her role as Justice, a tough talking bartender, Mary gushed about her relationship with the cast, including leading man Tom Cruise. “I love Tom,” she said. “He just really wants the best for everybody. He just wants you to win, and you’ve got to love a person like that. And they also just closed the deal with Russell Brand. It’s a fun movie!”
Both “Rock of Ages” and “Nina” are set for release in 2012.
Finally, it seems like it’s been years they’ve been talking and talking about it, and now they’re actually making a move. Hopefully she’s preparing hard.
Seem like the only way a black woman can get a movie role is if she’s a big singer. I’m a HUGE Mary fan but this role should’ve gone to a pro. Come on, acting classes?
Yeah i feel like the role should have gone to a pro too, But they only want money and who to use better than our money hungry singer, Not mary per say, But you know what i mean.
I hope this comes off well, Nina Simone’s story is so extraordinary…the love that my grandmother and others have for her and their description of what she meant at that time and era really makes me feel like I missed something great in that time.
I know Mary will give her best, but I wish someone like Kimberly Elise was playing this role or could coach Mary, but Kudos to Mary because it’s not easy getting a film like this made in Hollywood.
Go Mary!
Hmm. I’ve been hearing about this via my Hollyweird connects and film sites. I hope it’s good, I hope it’s good, I hope it’s good. Nina was a-ma-zing! Congrats to Mary.
Yeah real talk Mary can NOT act Im sorry Im saying how I feel.. She needs to stick to what has been bringing her money and that is her music… Im just saying… I cant! Let the actors act and the singers sing.. And real talk we all know MJB isnt a world renowned singer but her passion helps her cause… Pls give this part to someone that will do it justice…
All yall damn critics calm the hell down Mary just said she is taking acting lessons just chill out damn. She gonna bring it watch what I say..
I’m glad for MJB , and kudos for her taking acting lessons but…
I’m sorry but it really bothers me that black actors and actresses have such a hard time getting roles. First of all they can hardly get a good role in a mainstream movie (the overweight loud sista girl, or the wise cracking side kick home boy aside). But now it’s like a black actor can’t even get a leading role in movie about black people?