Barry Jenkins Announced New Music Biopics
The director has confirmed plans to develop film projects centered on Ronnie Spector and Alvin Ailey.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Urban
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Director Barry Jenkins has revealed his upcoming slate, which includes biographical films based on the lives of singer Ronnie Spector and choreographer Alvin Ailey. The projects are currently in development as the filmmaker looks to his next creative endeavors.
Why it matters
Jenkins is known for his distinct visual style in acclaimed projects like Moonlight and The Underground Railroad, making his transition into high-profile biopics a significant move for his career. By tackling the lives of influential cultural icons, he continues to shape his reputation for character-driven storytelling.
Antoine Fuqua directed the Michael Jackson biopic Michael, which reached the $1 billion earnings milestone in 2026. This performance sets a high commercial bar for music-focused biographical films in the current market.
The players
Barry Jenkins
He is an acclaimed director known for his work on Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk, and The Underground Railroad.
Ronnie Spector
She was a celebrated singer whose life is the subject of the upcoming A24-produced biopic titled Be My Baby.
Zendaya
She is a prominent actress and performer who is attached to star in the film depicting the life of Ronnie Spector.
Alvin Ailey
He was a renowned choreographer and cultural figure who will be the subject of a new biographical film from Jenkins.
Antoine Fuqua
He is a filmmaker who directed the Michael Jackson biopic Michael.
The details
Jenkins intends to film the two biopics back-to-back to maintain momentum, though the Ronnie Spector project, Be My Baby, has seen development fluctuations tied to star Zendaya's schedule. The Ronnie Spector film is produced by A24 and represents one of several projects currently being developed by the director.
Timeline
The Michael Jackson biopic reached $1 billion in total earnings during 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The transition to high-profile biographical filmmaking reflects a broader Hollywood effort to capitalize on the success of musical legacy projects. Jenkins' approach follows the commercial patterns established by the Michael Jackson biopic Michael, which validated the genre with a $1 billion gross.
The production of these biopics will likely determine future theatrical release schedules and streaming platform exclusivity for audiences. Viewers can monitor updates on the film's progress to understand when these projects might arrive in theaters or on digital services.
The takeaway
Filmmakers are increasingly leveraging the lives of music and dance icons to drive major cinematic projects. Fans should watch for how production schedules evolve as star availability influences the pace of these long-term creative developments.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in the film industry, visit the Urban section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Playlist.
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