David Farnor | On 18, Dec 2021

Regina King and John Ridley are teaming up for a biopic of Shirley Chisholm for Netflix.

The film, which is produced by Participant and Regina King’s Royal Ties Productions, will be an intimate portrayal of trailblazing political icon Shirley Chisholm, the first Black Congresswoman and the first Black woman to run for President of the US, and the cost of accomplishment for Shirley herself. It will tell the story of Chisholm’s boundary-breaking and historic presidential campaign, based on exclusive and extensive conversations with family, friends and those who knew her best.

Regina King will star as Shirley, with John Ridley writing and directing. King will be joined on screen by Lance Reddick (John Wick 1-4), Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea), Christina Jackson (Swagger), Michael Cherrie (Home Again), Dorian Missick (For Life), Amirah Vann (Underground), W Earl Brown (Deadwood), André Holland (Passing) and Terrence Howard (Empire).

King will produce alongside Reina King for Royal Ties Productions, Anikah McLaren and Elizabeth Haggard will produce for Participant, and John Ridley will also produce. Exec-produces will include Jeff Skoll and Ted Gidlow.

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