Missy Elliott and Timbaland Roles Cast In Aaliyah Biopic

The roles of famed producer-rappers Missy Elliott and Timbaland have been cast in US network Lifetime’s forthcoming Aaliyah biopic, titled Aaliyah: Princess Of R&B.

Newcomer Chattrisse Dolabaille and Izaak Smith (Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Mirror Mirror) will fill the shoes of Aaliyah’s close collaborators, who helped bring to life her 1996 sophomore LP One In A Million, as well as being involved with production of her 2001 self-titled release.

Work on the biopic, based on Christopher Farley’s book, Aaliyah: More Than A Woman, has not been without its hiccoughs – since its original announcement, it has experienced significant resistance from Aaliyah’s family despite the network’s assertions it will “honour the legacy” of the Try Again singer.

In addition, although Disney star Zendaya Coleman had previously been revealed as being set to star as the tragic singer herself, who died in a plane crash in 2001, at the age of 22, she later withdrew from the project, with little explanation from network or actress. However, she has since been replaced by Alexandra Shipp of Nickelodeon’s House Of Anubis and Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakuel.