Rihanna and Lupita Nyong’o Movie Based on a Tweet Is Actually Happening

Netflix reportedly bought the rights to a buddy movie directed by Ava DuVernay and written by “Insecure” creator/star Issa Rae

By Matthew Strauss

May 22, 2017

Image may contain Clothing Apparel Sunglasses Accessories Accessory Human Person Lupita Nyong'o and Costume

In April, a photo of Rihanna and Lupita Nyong’o at 2014 Paris Fashion Week went viral, as did the idea that the two should star in a movie based on the image. (The concept had floated on Tumblr years earlier, too.) Nyong’o acknowledged a tweet about the potential film, writing, “I’m down if you are @rihanna.” Rihanna responded, “I'm in Pit’z.” After that, it was suggested that Ava DuVernay (Selm**a, 13th) and “Insecure” creator/star Issa Rae get involved. Both showed interest. Now, the Rihanna and Lupita Nyong’o buddy film could soon become a reality, according to Entertainment Weekly. Netflix reportedly bought the rights to the movie during a bidding war at Cannes. DuVernay is allegedly set to direct, and Rae is in talks to write the screenplay. Pitchfork has contacted Netflix and Rihanna’s respective representatives.

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