Zendaya Wrote a Touching Tribute to Ronnie Spector

Zendaya has another big project in the works: She's in talks to play the late Ronnie Spector, lead singer of the Ronettes, in an upcoming biopic.

Production company A24 (Moonlight, The Farewell) has secured Spector's life rights for the film, as well as the rights to the musician's autobiography, Be My Baby. Pulitzer-winning playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury is in consideration to write the script. Here's everything else we know so far.

Spector chose Zendaya for the role.

The singer "personally selected" the Euphoria star for the role, Variety reported. This has been done before: Aretha Franklin chose Jennifer Hudson to star in her biopic Respect before her passing, according to Deadline.

Before her death, Spector was an executive producer on the film, along with her manager Jonathan Greenfield, Marc Platt (The Little Mermaid, Dear Evan Hansen), and Zendaya herself.

The film will cover Spector's early years.

The story will focus on how the Ronettes were formed and eventually signed to Philles Records, run by Phil Spector, who would later become Ronnie's husband. The group recorded their hit "Be My Baby" at the label. Per Variety, the film will also cover the Spectors' divorce in 1974 and Ronnie's battle to win back the rights to her music.

Zendaya paid tribute to Spector following her death.

The actress wrote a moving note commemorating Spector's life and her blossoming friendship with the rock musician.

"This news just breaks my heart. To speak about her as if she's not with us feels strange as she is so incredibly full of life. There's not a time I saw her without her iconic red lips and full teased hair, a true rockstar through and through. Ronnie, being able to know you has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Zendaya wrote. "Thank you for sharing your life with me, I could listen to your stories for hours and hours. Thank you for your unmeasured talent, your unwavering love for performing, your strength, resilience and your grace. There is absolutely nothing that could dim the light you cast."

She continued, "I admire you so much and am so grateful for the bond we share. You are a magical force of greatness and the world of music will never be the same. I wish everyone got to experience you the way I did. We celebrate your beautiful life and give you all the flowers you so rightfully deserve. Rest in great power Ronnie. I hope to make you proud."

You Might Also Like

• A Cleaning Expert Explains the Best Way to Clean Cloth Face Masks After You Wear Them — Good Housekeeping

• 35 Delicious Pantry Recipes That Use What's Already in Your Cabinets and Freezer — Good Housekeeping

• The Amish keep to themselves. And they’re hiding a horrifying secret. — Cosmopolitan