FKA twigs Set to Portray Josephine Baker in Upcoming Biopic

FKA twigs is stepping into the shoes of Josephine Baker for an eagerly awaited biographical film. The 38-year-old artist will take on the role of the legendary performer, spy, and civil rights activist who shattered barriers as the first Black woman to headline a major studio film.

Maïmouna Doucouré, known for directing Cuties, will helm the production. According to reports, cameras are expected to roll this autumn.

"I cannot wait to embody Josephine Baker, bringing her fight, her love, her losses, her talent and her heroism to the big screen. She lives on in our hearts as a visionary, ground-breaking woman whose story is as powerful as it is relevant today," twigs shared in a statement released Monday (May 11), accompanying the announcement with an image posted to her Instagram Story.

Baker's legacy spans multiple disciplines—she earned renown as an entertainer across the globe, served as an operative during World War II, and dedicated herself to activism. Among the most celebrated African American performers in French entertainment history, her life exemplifies how artists leverage their visibility to create meaningful social change.

The production has secured a significant milestone: backing from Baker's sons, Jean-Claude Bouillon Baker and Brian Bouillon Baker. This represents the first Josephine Baker-related film project to receive the official endorsement of her estate.

Director Doucouré reflected on the project's scope in her own statement: "Josephine Baker has lived with me for years. Working on this film, I realize how modern, fearless and complex she was. Beyond the legend, I want to explore her contradictions, her wounds and her immense courage, as well as her relentless fight for dignity."

The musician is currently in the midst of a European tour.