FILE – In this June 14, 2015 file photo, Zoe Saldana attends the Los Angeles Premiere of “Infinitely Polar Bear” held at Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles. After many delays, the Nina Simone biopic starring Saldana and David Oyelowo will be simultaneously released in theaters, digital HD and video-on-demand next month. Distributor RLJ Entertainment said Tuesday, March 1, 2016, it will release Nina in all formats on April 22. (Photo by John Salangsang/Invision/AP, File)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — If there was any doubt about how Nina Simone’s family feels about the upcoming biopic starring Zoe Saldana, recent social media posts make it clear they are not pleased.
A fresh round of criticism for the film erupted after the trailer and poster for “Nina” were unveiled Wednesday.
Saldana posted a quote from the singer and civil rights activist on Twitter, and Simone’s estate responded with: “Cool story but please take Nina’s name out your mouth. For the rest of your life.”
Simone’s daughter and others have decried the choice to cast a Hispanic actress as the African-American activist since Saldana took the part in 2012. Her skin was apparently darkened for the role.
RLJ Entertainment will release “Nina” in theaters, digital HD and video on demand on April 22.
