Rihanna’s rise from humble beginnings in Barbados to Grammy-winning music superstar and billionaire beauty mogul is made for a classic Hollywood rags to riches story. Though there’s been no rumors of a biopic on the “Diamonds” singer happening, we wouldn’t be surprised if one were announced. While attending the launch of her new line, Fenty Hair, the “Umbrella” star was asked who she’d want to see play her if a biopic was ever made. She chose “Bones and All” star Taylor Russell.
“She’s got a nice forehead. She’s fly and I feel like I want to be her, so I want her to pretend to be me,” she told E! News.
While we agree with the Fenty queen on her assessment of Taylor’s talent, we do have a few suggestions of our own for this imaginary biopic. In case Russell isn’t available, here are five actresses we want to see play Rihanna in a film. Just so it’s clear: Even though some of them are more than capable, we’re not expecting any of these actresses to do their own singing.
Chloe Bailey
We know the singer/actress will have no problem with the performance scenes, but we really want to see her embody Rihanna’s confidence and swagger. Whether it’s at the Super Bowl or on the red carpet, RiRi exudes an amazing level of badassery. Chloe wouldn’t have any problems portraying that aspect of her personality.
Amandla Stenberg
Amandla Stenberg has the rare ability to make every role feel like it was written just for them. Even if they’re playing a real person, we know “The Acolyte” star would still find a way to make it feel like we’re meeting Rihanna for the first time. They would also be the perfect choice to draw audiences into the private person behind the public persona.
Quintessa Swindell
It can be very difficult to stand out in a superhero movie. The task becomes even harder when you’re sharing scenes with Dwayne Johnson, Pierce Brosnan and Aldis Hodge. But Quintessa Swindell managed to make this impossible feat look easy in “Black Adam.” Rihanna’s special ability to capture attention is the X-factor that made her a superstar. Swindell has a star quality that would definitely fascinate audiences.
Dara Reneé
One of the reasons Rih has found such spectacular success is that people root for her. She seems likable and her fans want good things for her. “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’” Dara Reneé is fantastic at getting the audience on her side. She usually does this through music, which makes her even more qualified for the role.
Erin Kellyman
Unlike some of the other actresses on this list, we haven’t seen Erin Kellyman’s musical side. However, we have seen her in several action roles, which signals that she can handle complicated choreography and over the top performances.
Whether it’s Russell, or any of the suggestions we’ve made, we’re obsessed with the idea of a Rihanna biopic and really need it to happen now. And if the title doesn’t include the words “Savage,” “Fenty” or “Diamonds,” she’s really missing out on a brilliant branding opportunity.