Disney’s Zendaya Cast as Aaliyah in Bio Movie

 

(CNN) — One of the Disney stars is set to play the late singer Aaliyah in an upcoming television movie.

Variety reports that Zendaya has been cast as the singer in a Lifetime movie to be based on the book “Aaliyah: More Than a Woman” by former Time magazine music editor Christopher Farley. The singer, born Aaliyah Dana Haughton, died in a 2001 plane crash in the Bahamas, along with the pilot and members of her video crew. She was 22.

Zendaya, who like the late singer also performs using just her first name, is well-known for co-starring on the Disney Network series “Shake it Up!” and appeared as a contestant on “Dancing With the Stars” in 2013.

The 17-year old, who will reportedly record four songs for the project, tweeted her excitement.

“She’s been an inspiration and influence in my whole career, her talent still shines brighter (than) ever, all I wanna do is honor her,” the Disney star tweeted about being cast. “Show how much she accomplished in only 22 years….she’s beautiful inside and there will never be another Aaliyah, I just hope to share her beautiful story, and make her proud up in heaven #babygirl #forever #OneInAMillion.”