Since the news surfaced that Disney television star turned recording artist, Zendaya Coleman would play the late and great singer Aaliyah, in a Lifetime biopic, critics haven't been too pleased.
MadameNoire reports that since hearing the news, Aaliyah fans have gone on Twitter and other social media platforms to berate Lifetime's choice for Zendaya to play the famous R&B singer.
Some fans commented that Zendaya looks nothing like Aaliyah and other fans explained that they would rather see a bigger celebrity play the larger than life star.
In addition to the social media backlash, fans have even gone as far as creating a petition to stop the making of the Lifetime biopic.
The petition reads, "This petition is to stop the biopic. It's wrong that Aaliyah's mother or brother didn't have a say so in this movie that is being made. The fans didn't get a say so and neither did any of Aaliyah's friends. As her fans, we're going to do anything in our power to stop this movie. Little do we know, this is hurting Mrs. Haughton and Rashad. They're about to make something that didn't even get approved from her family. That is beyond disrespectful. If you agree that this movie shouldn't be made, you need to vote. If you really respect Aaliyah, you have to respect her mother and her brothers wishes. It's only right. It was Aaliyah's life. And they're taking it too far now. We need to put a stop to this!"
Yikes!
Despite the negative response that the Lifetime biopic has gotten, Zendaya still remains positive.
Even Lifetime's casting director, Twinkie Byrd chimed in on the hate and exclusively told the YBF that critics should "not hate but congratulate" Zendaya.
"Zendaya embodies everything you want in an actress to play Aaliyah. She is a poised, professional, STRONG actress," Byrd told the YBF.
"A triple threat actor, singer dancer. She LOVES AALIYAH and will do a wonderful job! She is of mixed ethnicity. Her name is Bantu (Zimbabwe) meaning 'To Give Thanks'. Let's not hate on it but congratulate! She is a GREAT CHOICE!"
VH1 was also in talks to do an Aaliyah biopic but there is still no word on when that will happen.
sources: LatinPost