After rising to fame in the “Star Wars” trilogy, John Boyega is set to take on a different kind of star role, stepping into the shoes of iconic soul singer Otis Redding. In the upcoming biopic Otis & Zelma, Boyega will portray the legendary artist, while Danielle Deadwyler, acclaimed for her role in Till, will play Redding’s wife, Zelma. Directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples, known for Miss Juneteenth, the film will focus on the personal and professional life of the celebrated musician and the woman who stood by his side.

The film will explore the ten-year relationship between Redding and Zelma, highlighting the impact of his meteoric rise in the music world. With hits like “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” “These Arms of Mine,” and “Respect,” Redding became one of the defining voices of soul music before his untimely death in a plane crash in 1967 at the age of 26. The film aims to depict not only Redding’s career but also the emotional complexities of his marriage and the enduring love that survived beyond his passing.

Following her husband’s tragic death, Zelma Redding carved her own path, establishing a booking agency, a record store, and a nightclub. She also became the driving force behind the Otis Redding Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting education through music. In a 2022 interview with The New York Times, she reflected on her enduring bond with her late husband, stating, “I love being Mrs. Otis Redding. I’m the only one,” capturing the depth of her devotion and the lasting legacy of their partnership.