FKA Twigs Cast as Josephine Baker in Major Biopic

The stage is set for a monumental cinematic event as FKA Twigs, known by her birth name Tahliah Debrett Barnett, has been officially cast to embody the iconic Josephine Baker in a highly anticipated feature-length biopic. This groundbreaking announcement, made on Monday, May 11, 2026, generated significant buzz just ahead of international sales launching at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

Filming for the as-yet-untitled project is scheduled to begin in the fall. This role marks a significant milestone for Twigs, as it represents her first lead biographical performance, promising an in-depth exploration of Baker's multifaceted life. The project also holds a unique distinction: it is the first major screen adaptation of Josephine Baker's life to receive the full, official approval and cooperation of her estate, ensuring an authentic portrayal.

At the helm of this ambitious production is French-Senegalese filmmaker Maïmouna Doucouré, who is directing and co-writing the film. The financial and production muscle behind the project comes from STUDIOCANAL, which is financing and co-producing, alongside Bien Ou Bien Productions. STUDIOCANAL has committed to handling theatrical releases across its territories, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Benelux, Poland, Australia, and New Zealand.

Josephine Baker's surviving sons, Jean-Claude Bouillon Baker and Brian Bouillon Baker, both members of Baker's adopted "Rainbow Tribe," are actively supporting the film's development. This family endorsement is expected to provide the production with unparalleled access and a crucial layer of authenticity that previous attempts at telling Baker's story may have lacked. This cooperation is vital for bringing a nuanced and respectful depiction of a woman whose legacy spans entertainment, activism, and wartime heroism.

FKA Twigs, a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actress, shared her profound excitement about stepping into Baker's shoes. In a public statement, she conveyed, "I cannot wait to embody Josephine Baker, bringing her fight, her love, her losses, her talent, and her heroism to the big screen." She further added that Baker "lives on in our hearts as a visionary, groundbreaking woman whose story is as powerful as it is relevant today." While this is her first lead biographical role, Twigs has steadily built her acting portfolio with appearances in films such as Alma Har'el's *Honey Boy* in 2019, Rupert Sanders' 2024 reboot of *The Crow*, *The Carpenter's Son* in 2025, and most recently, David Lowery's A24 thriller *Mother Mary* in 2026. Her diverse artistic background, encompassing music, dance, and acting, positions her as a compelling choice to portray the multifaceted Baker.

Director Maïmouna Doucouré has been attached to this Josephine Baker film project since 2022. Born in Paris in 1985 to Senegalese immigrant parents, Doucouré gained international recognition with her 2015 short film *Maman(s)*. Her feature directorial debut, *Cuties* in 2020, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it earned the Directing Award in the World Cinema Dramatic category, and also received a Special Mention at the Berlin International Film Festival. Doucouré's work on *Cuties* showcased her willingness to tackle challenging themes, a quality that she brings to this new project. She also directed the French drama *Hawa* in 2022. Doucouré expressed her personal connection to the subject, stating, "Josephine Baker has lived with me for years. Working on this film, I realise how modern, fearless and complex she was." She elaborated on her vision for the film, saying, "Beyond the legend, I want to explore her contradictions, her wounds and her immense courage, as well as her relentless fight for dignity."

Josephine Baker, born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1906, rose to international stardom after moving to Paris in 1925. She became a defining figure of the Jazz Age, celebrated for her charismatic stage presence as a dancer, singer, and cabaret star. In 1927, Baker made history as the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture, the French silent film *Siren of the Tropics*. Beyond her groundbreaking entertainment career, Baker was a significant activist, serving in the French Resistance during World War II and becoming a prominent voice in the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Her immense contributions were further recognized posthumously in 2021 when she was inducted into France's Panthéon, becoming the first Black woman to receive this esteemed honor.

Anna Marsh, CEO of STUDIOCANAL, underscored the significance of the project, stating, "Josephine Baker's story is one we have long aspired to tell, and to do so with the exceptional creative vision of Maïmouna Doucouré and the remarkable talent of FKA Twigs makes this project especially meaningful." Marsh added that the combined artistry of the director and star, coupled with Baker's enduring legacy, promises a film that will be both ambitious and profoundly authentic. The production aims to offer a fresh and comprehensive depiction of Baker's life and impact, building on previous cinematic portrayals, such as the 1991 television film *The Josephine Baker Story*, which earned Lynn Whitfield an Emmy-winning performance. This new biopic, with its unprecedented estate backing and contemporary artistic vision, is poised to bring Baker's extraordinary story to a new generation, solidifying her place as a timeless icon.