Movie

Many express disappointment over Saldana's casting, saying she's not black enough to play the late singer, after it's announced that 'Nina' will be released in theaters and on VOD in April.

• Mar 2, 2016

AceShowbiz - Two years after it was debuted at Cannes, the controversial Nina Simone biopic finally gets a release date. Entertainment Weekly reports that the film aptly titled "Nina" will be released in U.S. theaters and on VOD on April 22. The site also shares the first poster featuring Zoe Saldana as the late singer.

Following the poster revelation, fans once again expressed disappointment over Saldana's casting. On Twitter, they slammed the actress, who has Dominican and Puerto Rican roots, saying she isn't black enough to play the legendary musician.

"Zoe Saldana should be ashamed of herself for stealing what could have been a breakthrough role for so many black actresses," wrote a Twitter user. "Why is Zoe Saldana (a light skin woman) playing Nina Simone (a dark woman)? Can someone help me out?" another said. Another fan suggested that the film's producers could've picked Viola Davis or Lupita Nyong'o for the role.

Why is Zoe Saldana (a light skin woman) playing Nina Simone (a dark woman)? Can someone help me out?

— Pesky Jackson (@jimecia_jackson) March 1, 2016

@XLNB @MatthewACherry just 2 options that work better than Zoe Saldana pic.twitter.com/jgXCaytaKD

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— $h'nasty (@bigdaddy_stash) March 1, 2016

Zoe Saldana shouldn't play Nina Simone for simple reasons, wont even go complex: doesn't look like her, not quality enough actor

— Kachi (@IgboPrinceKachi) March 1, 2016

Saldana's involvement in "Nina" has drawn criticism not only from fans, but also from Simone's family. Her daughter Lisa Simone Kelly said back in 2012, "My mother was raised at a time when she was told her nose was too wide, her skin was too dark. Appearance-wise this is not the best choice."

Saldana responded to the backlash in a 2013 interview, saying, "I'm doing it for my brothers. I don't care who tells me that I am not this and I am not that. I know who I am and I know what Nina Simone means to me. So that is my truth and that set me free."

"Nina" was directed by Cynthia Mort. It also stars "Selma" actor David Oyelowo as Simone's assistant-turned-manager, Clifton Henderson.