FKA Twigs to Star as Josephine Baker in Biopic

Get ready for a cinematic journey back in time! The incredibly talented FKA Twigs is stepping into the spotlight to portray the legendary Josephine Baker in a major new biopic. This isn’t just any film; it’s a project deeply connected to the icon herself, with backing from her own family.

Filmmaker Maïmouna Doucouré, known for her work on the acclaimed film “Cuties,” is directing this untitled project, which is slated to begin filming this autumn. It promises to be a comprehensive look at Baker’s extraordinary life.

From St. Louis to Paris: A Life of Legend

The film will trace Josephine Baker’s incredible rise, from her humble beginnings in St. Louis to becoming the dazzling star of the Jazz Age in Paris. But it won’t just focus on her fame; the biopic will also highlight her powerful activism and her courageous work as a secret agent for the French Resistance.

This ambitious production is a collaboration between Studiocanal and Bien Ou Bien Productions, with global sales kicking off at the Cannes Film Festival. The involvement of Baker’s sons, Jean-Claude and Brian Bouillon Baker, and her adopted ‘Rainbow Tribe’ children is a significant detail, ensuring the film captures the personal and intimate aspects of her remarkable life.

FKA Twigs on Embodiment and Legacy

FKA Twigs, a true multi-hyphenate artist who recently starred in A24’s “Mother Mary,” expressed her honor in taking on such an iconic role. She stated, “Josephine Baker’s extraordinary legacy is such an inspiration to me and to so many people around the world.”

Twigs added, “She lives on in our hearts as a visionary, groundbreaking woman whose story is as powerful as it is relevant today. I cannot wait to embody Josephine Baker bringing her fight, her love, her losses, her talent and her heroism to the big screen.”

A Director’s Vision: Vulnerability and Courage

For director Maïmouna Doucouré, this film is a long-held passion project. She aims to reveal a more vulnerable side of Baker, exploring her complexities, wounds, and immense courage beyond the celebrated legend. Doucouré praised FKA Twigs for possessing the “artistry, intelligence and emotional depth” necessary to portray such a dynamic figure.

Studiocanal CEO Anna Marsh emphasized the project’s potential, noting that the combination of Doucouré’s vision and Twigs’ talent will create a film that is “both ambitious and profoundly authentic.”