R&B singer Mary J. Blige has reportedly signed on to portray singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist, Nina Simone in an upcoming biopic. The film, which is titled Nina, is based on a script by Cynthia Mort, who has written and produced TV shows in the past such as Rosanne and Will & Grace. It is based on her autobiography I Put A Spell On You and will focus on Simone’s relationship with her assistant Clifton Henderson, who will be played by actor David Oyelowo.

William Morris Endeavor’s Global Finance & Distribution Group is handling the North American rights and they presented the film to U.K’s Ealing Studios, who in turn will finance, produce, and sell the $10 million movie, which is scheduled to start filming later this year.

Simone is widely known for her contributions to music from her debut LP Little Girl Blue in 1958 to 1993’s A Single Woman. Among her more popular songs was a cover of George Gershwin’s single I Loves You Porgy, My Baby Just Cares For Me, and Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood. She died in her home in Southern France on April 21, 2003.

In related news, Mary J. was honored by the Women’s Foundation of New York during their 23rd Annual Celebrating Women Breakfast on May 13 at the New York Hilton Hotel. The foundation focuses on mobilizing “hearts, minds, and resources to create an equitable and just future for women, families, and communities in New York City.”