Lizzo to Star as Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Biopic, Celebrating Rock Pioneer
March 24, 2025
Her hit singles, such as the 9x Platinum 'Truth Hurts', have garnered significant streaming success, further solidifying her status in the music industry.
The film's production team includes notable figures such as Kevin Beisler, Nina Yang Bongiovi, and Forest Whitaker, with a screenplay crafted by Natalie Chaidez and Kwynn Perry.
Lizzo is set to star as Sister Rosetta Tharpe in an upcoming biopic titled 'Rosetta', which aims to highlight Tharpe's crucial role in shaping early rock 'n' roll.
This biopic seeks to honor Tharpe's contributions to music, giving her the recognition she has long deserved as a trailblazer in the industry.
Lizzo's casting in this role marks a significant milestone in her career, as she is on the path to potentially achieving EGOT status with her current accolades, including multiple Grammys and an Emmy.
Expressing her excitement on Instagram, Lizzo emphasized her long-standing commitment to bringing Tharpe's story to the screen, stating that she has been advocating for this project for years.
As a four-time Grammy Award winner, Lizzo made history in 2023 by becoming the first Black woman to win Record of the Year since 1994 for her hit 'About Damn Time'.
Recently, Lizzo performed her first solo concert in two years, where she opened up about her struggles with depression and expressed gratitude for her fans' support.
Lizzo's return to the public eye comes after overcoming personal challenges, including a recently dismissed sexual harassment lawsuit, allowing her to focus on her creative endeavors.
Prior to this lead role, Lizzo appeared in the film 'Hustlers' and made a guest appearance in 'The Mandalorian', showcasing her expanding acting repertoire.
The biopic joins a trend of successful music films, aiming to educate audiences about Tharpe's legacy and the vital contributions of Black women to American music.
While the release date for 'Rosetta' has not yet been announced, its development represents a significant step towards recognizing overlooked figures in American cultural history.
Summary based on 21 sources
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Sources

Rolling Stone • Mar 24, 2025
Lizzo to Play Rock Legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe in Upcoming Film
Variety • Mar 24, 2025
Lizzo to Play Rosetta Tharpe in Biopic for Amazon MGM Studios
Pitchfork • Mar 24, 2025
Lizzo to Play Sister Rosetta Tharpe in New Movie