AceShowbiz - Zendaya Coleman is stepping into the shoes of a music legend. She is set to star as Ronnie Spector in the biopic "Be My Baby," directed by the acclaimed Barry Jenkins.

The project, powered by A24, taps into the iconic singer's life, whose memoir "Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness, Or, My Life as a Fabulous Ronette" lays the foundation for the film's narrative.

This biopic will see Zendaya playing the co-founder of The Ronettes, the sensational girl group of the late 1950s and early 1960s that delivered hits like "Be My Baby" and "(The Best Part of) Breakin' Up."

The film not only highlights Spector's musical journey but also explores her tumultuous relationship with music producer Phil Spector, detailed vividly in her memoir.

Before her passing, Ronnie Spector herself handpicked Zendaya for the role, an endorsement that carries immense weight and significance.

Ronnie Spector passed away at the age of 78 in 2022 following cancer diagnosis. "This news just breaks my heart," Zendaya penned a tribute following her passing.

"Ronnie, being able to know you has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Thank you for sharing your life with me, I could listen to your stories for hours and hours," she continued. "Rest in great power Ronnie. I hope to make you proud."

The young actress will also serve as a producer on the film, joining an impressive roster that includes A24, Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, Mark Itkin, Tom Shelly, and Jenkins' producing partners from Pastel, Adele Romanski, and Mark Ceryak.

This project comes at a time when Zendaya's career is at a remarkable high. Fresh off her historic Emmy win for Lead Actress in HBO's "Euphoria," she embodies a modern-day trailblazer in the entertainment industry.

She continues to attract significant roles, including her parts in Marvel's "Spider-Man", Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," Denis Villeneuve's "Dune," and Luca Guadagnino's "Challengers".

Barry Jenkins also brings his signature style to the film, reuniting with A24 after the monumental success of "Moonlight," which won the Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Jenkins is coming off his recent work "Mufasa: The Lion King" and has lined up other promising projects including the sci-fi thriller "The Natural Order" starring Glen Powell.

The script penned by David Kajganich, known for his works like "Bones and All" and "Suspiria," promises to faithfully translate Spector's compelling life story to the screen.

Keep an eye out as Zendaya brings Ronnie Spector's remarkable story to life, adding another feather in her increasingly illustrious cap.