Having effectively conquered the world of pop music, academia and architecture, Beyoncé is apparently setting her sights back on Hollywood for an upcoming film project. As reported by the UK's Sun newspaper, the performer is in the process of writing and starring in a film based on the life of Saartjie Baartman.
UPDATE (01/05, 5 p.m.): Reps for Beyoncé have now denied the star's involvement in the film. Speaking to Billboard, a rep stated: "Beyoncé is in no way tied to this project. This is an important story that should be told, however."
Baartman was one of two Khoikhoi woman who were forced into Victorian freak shows in the 19th century. Made to perform against her will under the name Hottentot Venus, Baartman was put on display for her large buttocks.
She died in 1815 in Paris, her act having fallen out of fashion years earlier. Upon her death, Baartman's body was dissected and displayed for more than a century.
According to the Sun's source, Beyoncé is hoping the role will win her acclaim in the film world. "Even though she's had a string of well-received movies, she still feels her breakthrough role is yet to come," they told the paper. "She now wants to write a screenplay that gains her respect — and hopefully awards — from the film industry, and thinks Saartjie's story could be her ticket."
Beyoncé has previously appeared in films like Austin Powers in Goldmember, Dreamgirls and Obsessed.
UPDATE (01/05, 5 p.m.): Reps for Beyoncé have now denied the star's involvement in the film. Speaking to Billboard, a rep stated: "Beyoncé is in no way tied to this project. This is an important story that should be told, however."
Baartman was one of two Khoikhoi woman who were forced into Victorian freak shows in the 19th century. Made to perform against her will under the name Hottentot Venus, Baartman was put on display for her large buttocks.
She died in 1815 in Paris, her act having fallen out of fashion years earlier. Upon her death, Baartman's body was dissected and displayed for more than a century.
According to the Sun's source, Beyoncé is hoping the role will win her acclaim in the film world. "Even though she's had a string of well-received movies, she still feels her breakthrough role is yet to come," they told the paper. "She now wants to write a screenplay that gains her respect — and hopefully awards — from the film industry, and thinks Saartjie's story could be her ticket."
Beyoncé has previously appeared in films like Austin Powers in Goldmember, Dreamgirls and Obsessed.
