'Woman in Me': Britney Spears's memoir coming to big screens!
Universal Pictures has secured the rights to create a biopic based on Britney Spears's bestselling memoir, The Woman in Me. The project will be directed by Jon M. Chu, known for his work on Wicked, and produced by Marc Platt. Spears revealed the "secret project" via social media, expressing her enthusiasm about collaborating with Platt, whom she praised for having "always made my favorite movies."
Spears's memoir chronicles her journey to pop stardom
Published in October 2023, Spears's memoir The Woman in Me has sold over 2.5M copies in the US alone. The book offers a comprehensive account of her rise to fame, from her early days on the Mickey Mouse Club to her widely publicized conservatorship case. It also delves into her relationships with ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake and her family, shedding light on the predatory nature of those around her.
Spears's life post-conservatorship and recent controversy
Since her conservatorship ended in 2021, Spears has largely remained out of the public eye. She announced earlier this year that she'll not return to the music industry and has been ghostwriting songs for other artists. Recently, she made headlines after Halsey released a new single Lucky—which sampled Spears's 2000 eponymous single. Initially, Spears claimed she felt "harassed, violated and bullied" by her portrayal in the song but later dismissed it as "fake news" and expressed her love for Halsey.
Universal Pictures's successful history with musical biopics
Universal Pictures has a proven track record of success with musical biopics, including 2015's Straight Outta Compton, which grossed over an astounding $200M, and 2002's 8 Mile, which earned $250M worldwide. The studio is currently developing a biopic on the rapper Snoop Dogg and a film inspired by Prince's music. This history of successful musical films bodes well for the upcoming Spears biopic.
Chu and Platt's upcoming adaptation of the Broadway musical 'Wicked'
In addition to the Spears biopic, director Chu and producer Platt are also reportedly working on an adaptation of the hit Broadway musical titled Wicked. The film, starring Cynthia Erivo and pop sensation Ariana Grande, is set to release its first chapter in theaters on November 22. The second part, Wicked Part Two, is scheduled for a November 26, 2025 release.
