During a recent promotional interview with A24 for her upcoming horror film “The Front Room,” Brandy revealed her dream casting if they did a biopic on her life. The R&B icon named Halle Bailey as her top choice to portray her on the big screen. “There’s a few people that come to mind, but off the top of the dome… Halle Bailey,” Brandy said, showing her admiration for the young star.
This isn’t the first time Brandy has spoken highly of Halle. In a 2020 interview with Billboard, Brandy praised Halle’s casting as Ariel in Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid.” Having herself made history in the late 1990s as the first Black actress to play Cinderella in ABC’s adaptation of the Disney classic, Brandy offered words of wisdom to Halle. She encouraged her to stay positive, keep a supportive circle, and remain true to herself despite the pressures of the industry. Brandy noted that Halle’s authenticity is what makes her such a powerful role model for young Black women, adding, “I just wish her all the best. I absolutely love Halle and I love Chlöe. I see so much of myself in Halle.”
The mutual respect between the two artists has grown over the years, with Halle often citing Brandy as a significant influence on her career. The prospect of Halle portraying Brandy in a biopic would be a meaningful full-circle moment, celebrating the legacy of Black women in entertainment.
As for Brandy’s current projects, she’s gearing up for the release of “The Front Room,” a psychological horror thriller set to hit theaters on September 6, 2024. The film, based on Susan Hill’s 2016 short story, follows a young pregnant couple who must confront the horrors that unfold when they take in an estranged stepmother. Brandy stars alongside Andrews Burnap and Kathryn Hunter in what promises to be a chilling addition to A24’s roster of films.
Brandy’s recent interview also touched on lighter topics, including her favorite household rule and her thoughts on iconic horror villains. However, it’s her endorsement of Halle Bailey for a potential biopic that has fans buzzing, eagerly imagining what could be a powerful tribute to Brandy’s enduring legacy in music and film.