Zoe Saldana's long-gestating Nina Simone biopic has been met with its fair share of controversy throughout its years in development. At one time or another, many didn't even believe it would get made. But today, "Nina" has unveiled its first trailer before arriving in theaters next month.
Check out the trailer below.
The film will follow singer Nina Simone's rise to jazz fame as well as her unique relationship with her nurse-turned-manage, Clifton Henderson, played by Golden Globe nominated actor David Oyelowo.
Saldana's casting back in 2012 was met with widespread criticism from fans and moviegoers. Detractors questioned why Saldana, who is of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, was chosen to play Simone, who as African American. Simone's darker skin was a major factor in her public persona and was groundbreaking for a mainstream celebrity at the time.
The film's poster also generated controversy as it seems as if Saldana is wearing darker makeup and a prosthetic nose, which some Twitter users labeled as "black face." However, Saldana is a very talented actress and the trailer properly conveys that. Oyelowo has praised her work on the movie, saying:
"I think a lot of people are going to be surprised of the sheer power of her. She went to work. She is a huge admirer of Nina Simone and that crept into what she did. She wanted to tell the truth and every day we were on that set, that's what I saw."
Saldana also campaigned for critics and audiences to see the movie before drawing concrete conclusions about the casting choice.
"People are going to want to outcast you and put you someplace and it's like, you can have any opinion about it, and that is fine, as long as you understand that it's going to come second to how I feel about myself," she said.
"I was already a part of this project and my priority was Nina, and the love that I feel for this woman, for her music and what she left us. Let's all give ourselves a chance to watch it and then make a decision," she continued.
"Nina" will be released in theaters on April 22.
Follow Brandon Katz @Great_Katzby
