The incredible story ofOtis Reddingand his widowZelma Reddingis set to come to the big screen withJohn BoyegaandDanielle DeadwylerinOtis & Zelma. The film will be directed byChanning Godfrey Peoplesand will chart the life of the legendary soul singer, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time. Redding’s career, which was made by hits like"(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,““Respect,” and “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” was tragically cut short at the age of 26when he died in a 1967 plane crash, leaving behind Zelma and their three children.The film, which will be written by acclaimed playwrightDonnetta Lavinia Grayswith revisions by Godfrey Peoples, will focus on the ten short years that Otis and Zelma shared and the profound impact their love story had on Redding’s music.
The film has the full support of the Otis Redding Estateand Zelma herself, and it will also exploreZelma’s determination in preserving her husband’s legacy.“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,” the film’s synopsis explains.
What are the Creatives Behind ‘Otis & Zelma’ Known For?
Godfrey Peoples made a remarkable entrance to filmmaking with her 2020 feature debutMiss Juneteenth, which starred Emmy nomineeNicole Beharie. The film earned her the National Board of Review Award for Best Directorial Debut, as well as the SXSW Louis Black “Lone Star” Award.Miss Juneteenthwas also nominated for four Independent Spirit Awards and the Sundance Grand Jury Prize.
Boyega is best knownfor his role as Finn in theStar Warssequel trilogy, and he also earned aGolden Globein 2021 for his performance inSteve McQueen’sEmmy-nominated miniseriesSmall Axe. His breakout role was inJoe Cornish’s 2011 sci-fi alien invasion thrillerAttack the Block, andhe has appeared in films likeThey Cloned Tyrone, The Woman King, Breaking, and Pacific Rim: Uprising.
Deadwyler is best knownfor her amazing portrayal ofMamie Till-Mobley, the mother ofEmmett Till,in the critically acclaimed 2022 filmTill,for which she won the Outstanding Lead Performance at the Gotham Awards and the Breakthrough Performance from the National Board of Review, along with nominations from SAG, Critics Choice and Bafta.
