Black Panther's Letitia Wright lands next lead movie role
Black Panther star Letitia Wright will play real-life boxer Ramla Ali up on the big screen.
Directed by Anthony Wonke – who was behind 2015 documentary Ronaldo – and written by Ursula Rani Sarma, In the Shadows is scheduled to shoot early next year, according to Deadline.
The drama chronicles Ali's turbulent life, fleeing war-torn Somalia with her family as a youngster before seeking asylum in London. Knowing that her loved ones would disapprove, she trained as a boxer in secret, eventually becoming the first-ever boxer to represent Somalia at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020.
Related: Black Panther's Letitia Wright clears up comments about third movie
"Our personalities and journeys, although in different fields, are strangely similar," Ali said of Wright in a statement.
"Talent aside, because we all know how special she is, Letitia is a woman of great ethics and integrity and knowing that she will be playing me in the movie is a dream come true. There is no other soul on this earth that would do the film justice like Letitia will."
Praising the inspirational athlete she's about to portray, Wright commented: "Not only is she an incredible woman of strength, dedication and perseverance, but her journey will impact many lives and I'm excited for audiences to experience her story."
Related: Black Panther star Letitia Wright on finding joy in her new film Aisha and learning to let go
Filmmaker Wonke added: "Ramla's story is as universal as it is exceptional and speaks to the countless people whose choices in life are compromised.
"Like kindred spirits, Letitia and Ramla have found an instant connection."
In the Shadows will be shopped around Cannes Film Festival next week by UK firm Altitude Film Sales.
You Might Also Like
