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Just a few weeks after hearing that Zendaya Coleman called it quits on the Lifetime-produced Aaliyah biopic, producers have finally found a new young star to play the late singer (remember all of the celebs who tried out in the first place?). According to The Hollywood Reporter, 23-year-old actress and Nickelodeon star Alexandra Shipp will play Aaliyah and production of “Aaliyah: Princess of R&B will continue this summer.

MUST READ: Keshia Chanté Claims She Backed Out Of Aaliyah Biopic & We’re Like Ok, Girl

The biopic, based on the book, “Aaliyah: More Than A Woman,” by Christopher Foley, is produced by Aaliyah Productions, Inc., notable producer Debra Martin Chase and — a major surprise — Wendy Williams! The talk show queen took to Twitter to announce her role as executive producer:

This is major for both Wendy and Alexandra. Who knew that Wendy was working behind the scenes to make Aaliyah’s story happen? And, who knew that producers could throw some shade by replacing a Disney star (Zendaya) with a Nickelodeon actress (Alexandra)? **sips tea** What do you all think of the casting this time around? We hope producers did the right thing and consulted Aaliyah’s family before making their decision. They were very candid about not being consulted in the first place. But, who knows?

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For 2024’s iteration of MadameNoire and HelloBeautiful’s annual series Women to Know, we knew we wanted to celebrate the people who help make the joys of film and television possible. To create art is to create magic. This year, we spotlight Hollywood Executive’s changing the face of cinema.