Lady Gaga to star in Dionne Warwick biopic

Paris, May 14 (IANS) Singer-actress Lady Gaga will star as late English singer Cilla Black, whereas LeToya Luckett will play Dionne Warwick in “Dionne”, a new biopic about the legendary singer that was announced at the Cannes Film Festival.

The film will span the early days of Warwick’s career from 1962 to 1968, as she released classic songs like “Alfie” and “I say a little prayer", reports variety.com.

Danny Glover will portray Warwick’s father, Mansel Warwick. Olympia Dukakis will co-star as German songstress and actress Marlene Dietrich, who mentored Warwick.

Warwick, 75, said she was pleased that Luckett (an original member of R&B girl group Destiny’s Child) was channeling her on the big screen.

“She just kind of morphed," Warwick said of meeting the actress.

"Vocally, she was right. Her look was completely right,” she added.

Shooting is set to begin in October, with Mario Van Peebles in talks to direct. AMBI Pictures and David F. Wooley’s WW Film Company are financing the movie. Producers are Andrea Iervolino, Monika Bacardi, Wooley and Jacker Binder.

Wooley revealed that he’s already spent 10 years getting the story to the big screen.