Queen Latifah is set to play a real-life fairy godmother. The Oscar-nominated actress has signed on to topline “Hope’s Wish,” an inspirational drama inspired by a real Make-A-Wish story. Laurie Collyer (“Sherrybaby,” “Sunlight Jr.”) will direct the film, according to Deadline.
An adaptation of Shelby and Stuart Stout’s 2008 book “Hope’s Wish: How One Girl’s Dream Made Others Come True,” the pic follows Hope Stout, a 12-year-old diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. She “sets out on a mission to fund the wishes of 155 other children with the help of dedicated Make-A-Wish Foundation executive Toni Dubois (Latifah) and the Charlotte [NC] community,” the source summarizes. Diana Ossana (“Brokeback Mountain”) penned the script.
Slated to kick off production April 9, the project hails from Alcon Entertainment, Torridon/16:14, and Walden Media.
Latifah toplines “Star,” a musical drama currently in its second season on Fox. She was last seen on the big screen in summer box office smash “Girls Trip.” “Flint,” “Miracles from Heaven,” and “Bessie” are among her other recent credits. The multi-hyphenate also keeps busy off-screen. In 2016 Latifah was honored by the Princess Grace Foundation for artistic achievement and service to her community. She’s worked with causes that support artists, children, and LGBTQ folks, including the Boys & Girls Club of America, Citymeals On Wheels, Girl Up, and The Trevor Project.
IFC Films will distribute Collyer’s latest title, “Furlough,” a road trip comedy starring Tessa Thompson, Melissa Leo, Whoopi Goldberg, and Anna Paquin. A release date hasn’t been announced yet.
