Can It Work? Angela Bassett To Play Coretta Scott Alongside Mary J. Blige As Betty Shabazz

August 24th, 2012 - By Brande Victorian

Source: Zimbio.com

When we told you all last month that Mary J. Blige was going to be playing Betty Shabazz in a new Lifetime movie, “Betty and Coretta,” naturally the question was who would take on the role of Coretta Scott King. Many of you got your wish because Shadow & Act is reporting that none other than Angela Bassett will take on the part of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s wife. But doesn’t this seem like a bit of an actress mix-match?

Not only will the amazing Angela Bassett star in the movie, which will tell the story of how these single mothers carried on after their husbands, Martin Luther King, Jr and Malcolm X, were assassinated, the legendary Ruby Dee will also star in the film as a historical witness narrator.

Interestingly, we’ve already seen Angela Bassett as Betty Shabazz twice so perhaps she can lend her expertise to Mary J. as she prepares for this part in what has the potential to be a really amazing story. Mary has done her share of bit parts in films lately, mostly relying on her singing to carry her part, so she definitely has her work cut out for her. Production is set to begin next month so it’s looking like things are pretty final with casting. Hopefully Lifetime can pull this off.

What do you think about Angela Bassett and Mary J. in this movie?

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  • Papillon

    I’m tired of seeing Angela always playing somebody’s mama or wife. I want to see her in a lead role as an original character, and not a biopic.

  • Jenn

    Come on man (in my Martin voice)….Hollywood leave MJB alone!

  • Jaeda

    Label me confused dont get me wrong I love Mary as a singer (especially her older work) but I cant see her as Betty Shabazz or any other roll that does not involve her singing. And to put her opposite of Angela Bassett what in the world was Lifetime thinking???

  • mrose2010

    I am not hating on Mary but what is up? I am almost sure I saw her in some lifetime movie years ago and the acting was weak and I don’t know what she was doing in Rock of Ages where are all of our actresses at? And we nee to get that Nina Simone / Zoe Saldana situation worked out as well

  • Chassie

    Angela all the way, best actress in the world to me, followed by kimberly elise. Mary…….eh, its lifetime.

  • Nek

    Why?

  • Ms_Mara

    I don’t know about Mary so I’ll just wait and see. But Angela can do no wrong in my eyes! From Katherine Jackson to Tina turner to Betty Shabazz, I think she is brilliant.

  • think

    Ha. I bet Angela is just HUMORING Lifetime to show them just how QUALITY of an actress she is against a lightweight. And WHY is Lifetime pretending like they couldn’t find someone better than MJB to play Betty? smh.

  • realadulttalk

    Can Mary act?? I’m trying to understand why she’s up for so many roles. I personally don’t wanna see Mary in this role–it’s one for a serious actress.

    • Tanneka James

      This Crack House of a website hates Mary J Blige! Therefore I am not surprised by all the negativity from MJB haters . We don’t have confidence in people anymore. We don’t root for people anymore. Madame Noire is the cancer to the black community because this website attract “ugly on the inside” cowards that hate themselves and don’t have a single ounce of positivity in them.SMH.
      Mary J Blige .. I am happy that you are playing Betty Shabazz. I support you 100% !!!

      • realadulttalk

        Soooo I hate Mary b/c I’m not sure if she can act and I’d prefer to see an actress (instead of singer) play the role? I’m ugly on the inside b/c I come to this site (which you are on-isn’t ironic–don’t ya think?). I’m also a coward, hate myself and and am a negative person (here goes that irony again). And you got all of that about me from 3 sentences? No worries-I can totally understand how you came to what can only be deemed as a legitimate conclusion. I’m simply gratified that you took the time out of what I am sure is a busy, fabulous life to respond to me. My life is now complete-and I will surely die happy.

        • Tanneka James

          Unfortunately I replied to your post because you are at the top .. and I knew my comment will be below yours but above the other comments ! So I used you .. Oh well !! My comment was really directed to Madame Noire.. Don’t take it personal .. You don’t have to kill yourself.

      • Ms_Mara

        Not one negative thing was said about MJB in this article. But you sound angry. Like Samuel L. Jackson yellin and cussin kinda angry. Even Mary herself wouldn’t get that upset over some OPINIONS. “The cancer of the black community”? Chile, getcho life!

  • think

    Ha. Angela is probably quietly doing this just to rub in Lifetime’s face how QUALITY of an actress she is against MJB. And WHY is Lifetime pretending they couldn’t find someone better than MJB to play Betty smh.

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