‘Orange is the New Black’ Star Danielle Brooks To Portray Mahalia Jackson in Gospel Icon’s Biopic

She’s known by many as the Queen of Gospel, but getting Mahalia Jackson‘s storied life adapted into movie form has been nothing but a royal pain.

The previously planned biopic, which pegged powerhouse singer Fantasia to assume the role of Jackson, was reportedly halted due to unfavorable news in the GRAMMY winner’s personal life (click here to read more). Since then, the film’s hit a number of bumps on production’s road including financing, the Gospel legend’s family members causing delays, actresses tapped for the title being dismissed, and more.

However, after seeing the success of The Clark Sisters biopic on Lifetime (click here to read more), resident ‘Good Morning America’ anchor Robin Roberts has taken up the charge of bringing Jackson’s life to the small screen.

See how inside:

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Report:

“Jackson’s life story will be told in an upcoming Lifetime TV movie as part of a new four-film deal the cable network has signed with journalist and Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, who will continue the “Robin Roberts Presents” banner through the partnership.

Singer-actress Danielle Brooks has been tapped to play the legendary gospel singer and civil rights activist, with Kenny Leon (American Son) set to direct Robin Roberts Presents: The Mahalia Jackson Story.”

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As of time reported, no tentative release date has been attached to the project.

[main photo source: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images]