Mary J. Blige to Play Nina Simone in Movie Biopic

I love Mary Blige, but I think Nina's daughter Simone would do a terrific job!

Lauryn Hill should be playing this role. She would do a greater job portraying Nina.

I worked for Nina Simone when she returned to the US. As her secretary accompanied her when she was booked to appear at the Lincoln Center. Have many stories to tell as I was also her friend in Connecticut.

I reckon it'll be good :-)

I will try to be respectful but Mary J Blige playing Nina Simone is as awful a travesty as Beyonce 'trying' to sing the blues and play Etta James. That was like Barbie.

I know there are lines between generations in musical genre but please let us keep the caliber of our great ones great and we will not disrespect hiphop. They are on two different planes, I think perhaps Lauren Hill may have transcended that plane and in my opinion is a better choice, even Tracy Chapman. They have depth more depth and a connection to the music of Nina's generation. MJB does not, her charitable contributions does not classify her to play Simone. The best actress to play Nina is actually her own daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly.

Shouldn't the producers choose a more Afrocentric woman to play her? Ms. Simone was about valorizing a type of African beauty that Ms. Blige simply doesn't possess. Her nose is very narrow and aquiline, her skin is fair, she prefers to dye her hair blond. Casting her would undermine the message that Ms. Simone tried to communicate to young Black women - you are beautiful s you are, black skin, wide nose, full cheeks, long necks. This is a ridiculous choice. They must find a dark skin actress who has more African blood in her veins. the producers probably are trying to coast on Ms. Blige status and celebrity but the end product will stink, because it won't be TRUE.

Yes Mary J. Blige!!! We salute you and are proud that you saw the vision and went for it. We believe that you will knock it out the box, and bring new light and life to the music of the amazing Nina Simone so enjoy as you will reach into a place and find the essence to honor her for all to see. We love you !!!!

Visually I can see why they would cast Mary J. Blige to play Nina Simone. I'd like to be optimistic in saying that; perhaps Ms. Blige will amaze us all and play this role brilliantly, but honestly I just can't see it right now. Nina Simone was so talented musically; a true musician. Not to discredit Mary J. Blige by any means, but I do feel that she is limited as an artist. While her voice is soulful and has also had her share of demons in her past did Ms. Simone she does not possess the range and power vocally as did Ms. Simone. Nor is she a pianist. I wonder if she'll pull it off and be able to capture the essence of such a complex woman?

Nina Simone who could play the part, no one on this planet could reach so high, and Mary J. Blige knows this better than anyone. The fact that she is willing,and able to try to give homage to such a great singer and person speaks volumes. Good luck Mary J. and you will shine you have Nina's blessing..........

For various reasons, I don't think this is a good idea (to say the least). Mary has very limited acting expereince (to put it as politely as possible), she appeals to a vastly different demographic, one that might not be too familiar with Simone's tremendous work -- and therefore would most likely sleep on the project. Then you have the true, die-hard Simone fans, like myself, who will stay away from the project simply because it sounds like a travesty, a desecration of Simone's legacy. Then, you have the issue of the profoundly different musical and vocal styles. I am so excited to hear that such a film is being made, but I'm just as wequally disturbed to hear that the project will star MJB in the lead role. Perhaps an error has been made. Based on the type of music MJB sings, I'm actually surprised she knows who Simone is! Not to dis her, songs of her style have their place and appeal to a certain segment of individuals with similar experiences -- however, Simone's music has depth, strength to last forever, substance, uniqueness. I'm rambling -- but, I simply hope this project is reconsidered with someone more appropriate in the lead role.