The world of cinema is about to be graced with a powerhouse collaboration, as acclaimed singer-songwriter FKA Twigs has been tapped to portray the legendary Josephine Baker in an upcoming biopic. This thrilling project, directed by the immensely talented Maïmouna Doucouré, will bring the trailblazing life and revolutionary impact of Josephine Baker to the big screen.
FKA Twigs, known for her genre-defying artistry and captivating performances, is “honored to collaborate with the immensely talented Maïmouna Doucouré on this incredible project.” The avant-garde artist expressed her deep admiration for Josephine Baker, stating, “Josephine Baker’s extraordinary legacy is such an inspiration to me and to so many people around the world. She lives on in our hearts as a visionary, ground-breaking woman whose story is as powerful as it is relevant today. I cannot wait to embody Josephine Baker, bringing her fight, her love, her losses, her talent and her heroism to the big screen.”
Josephine Baker’s life story is a testament to the power of resilience, activism, and artistic brilliance. Born in Missouri in 1906, she overcame the harsh realities of racism and sexism to become a global icon, captivating audiences worldwide with her electrifying performances, impeccable style, and unapologetic advocacy for civil rights. From her trailblazing days as a dancer and entertainer in Paris to her heroic efforts as a spy for the French Resistance during World War II, Josephine Baker’s legacy continues to inspire and empower people around the globe.
The casting of FKA Twigs in this role is a testament to the industry’s growing recognition of the importance of authentic, nuanced representations of Black icons. The singer’s avant-garde sensibilities and profound connection to her own identity as a Black woman make her the perfect choice to capture the essence of Josephine Baker’s revolutionary spirit. As the biopic begins filming this fall, Black Cosmopolitans can look forward to witnessing a truly groundbreaking cinematic experience that will honor the life and legacy of one of our most cherished icons.
What People Are Saying About FKA Twigs as Josephine Baker
The casting announcement has sparked a passionate online conversation, with fans, critics, and culture commentators weighing in across social media and entertainment forums. The reactions are split — and loud.
The Supporters
Many fans are celebrating the choice, pointing to FKA Twigs’ deep artistic connection to Josephine Baker. Supporters note that the singer paid tribute to Baker at the 2025 Met Gala, where her Black dandyism-themed look was directly inspired by the icon. As Twigs herself put it in an interview around that night, “There is no diamond that could have outshone the one inside Josephine’s chest.” Fans say that level of reverence is exactly what the role requires.
Others point to her dance background, her experience in films like Honey Boy and The Crow, and her willingness to take on emotionally complex roles as proof she can carry a biopic of this scale.
The Skeptics
Not everyone is on board. A vocal section of fans on Black entertainment forums and social media have raised concerns, with reactions ranging from cautious to brutal:
- “Lynn Whitfield played Josephine Baker so well, looked very much like her, and captured her essence. No one can top that performance, period,” one commenter wrote, referencing the beloved 1991 HBO film The Josephine Baker Story.
- “Sick of British Black actresses playing American icons,” another fan posted, echoing a recurring debate about Hollywood casting Black British performers in roles based on African American historical figures.
- “She’ll play her how Zoe played Nina Simone,” one user warned, referencing the controversial 2016 Nina Simone biopic and the worry that the film won’t capture Baker’s joy and exuberance.
- “Hire a Black actress challenge: Hollywood version,” another commenter joked — a sentiment that’s been widely shared and reposted.
- Some suggested alternative picks, with names like Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga, and Nathalie Emmanuel being floated as actresses who could have suited the role.
The Middle Ground
A third camp is reserving judgment until the trailer drops. As one fan put it: “The article says they are in talks. It does not say she has been cast.” Others noted that the project being endorsed by Baker’s biological sons, Jean-Claude and Brian Bouillon Baker, and the Rainbow Tribe carries real weight — and that the family’s blessing should count for something.
One nuanced take making the rounds: “I assume she was cast because of her dancing abilities… we’ll see.” For now, the internet is watching closely.
Get ready to be captivated by the magic of FKA Twigs as she steps into the shoes of the legendary Josephine Baker. This biopic promises to be a powerful, thought-provoking, and visually stunning celebration of a true trailblazer whose impact continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
