Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo may be working together again — and this time for a new Disney film. The very talented Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo are now in talks to star in Disney’s Queen of Katwe, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Queen of Katwe is the true story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi. Mutesi, a young girl from Uganda who with the help of her coach becomes a chess prodigy.
The film’s script was written by William Wheeler and Mira Nair is set to direct the film.
Queen of Katwe is based on an ESPN Magazine article and the 2012 book The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl’s Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster, both by Tim Crothers.
Oyelowo (Selma) is in negotiations to play the coach, Robert Katend and Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave) is in talks to play the role of Phiona’s mother, Harriet Mutesi.
John Carls and Lydia Dean Pilcher will produce along with ESPN Films.
Oyelowo and Nyong’o are also set to star in the coming film, Americanah.
January 12, 2015 -
glad to see the story of a determined black girl & her black family & black coach being told especially from a country that doesn’t usually get much shine or attention in the states. hope disney doesn’t screw this up.
January 12, 2015 -
You know with Disney, they are probably going to throw in a white savior in there, somehow.
January 12, 2015 -
yea. i was hoping that since oyelowo is playing the coach they might skip it, but i won’t hold my breath.
January 12, 2015 -
Disney is trying, I will be patient with them.
January 12, 2015 -
Waiting for the “Africans are stealing our roles” crew to chime in.
January 13, 2015 -
umm….. it’s based in Africa, so why would anyone come in and say “Africans are stealing our roles” ?
January 13, 2015 -
Well clearly you haven’t seen the comments on this subject where that sentiment is expressed no matter the setting of the movie.
January 13, 2015 -
@Tanielle: LULZ IKR