Aaliyah Movie Cast News 2014: Zendaya Coleman Talks Stepping Down From Lead Role ‘The Project Wasn’t 100 Percent There’ [VIDEO]
Zendaya Coleman has broken her silence after walking away from the lead role as Aaliyah in the late singer's upcoming biopic.
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Coleman told MTV News Sunday, "I just felt the project wasn't 100 percent there. I feel [that] production wise everything just felt a little rushed."
While many speculate that the family's protest against the film played a factor in Coleman's decision, she maintains that she did not feel the direction the movie is headed gave Aaliyah justice.
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"I think because she's someone I admire and I love so much, it can't be done halfway, or not to the standards I think it should be done at, so I just decided not to do it."
She went on to say that she has not counted out the idea of playing Aaliyah under different circumstances.
"By all means, when the right project comes along and it's done the right way I'll be the first person ready to play Aaliyah, but this wasn't the right one for me. I've been into Aaliyah since I was little, so there wasn't too much getting into character. I always pretend I'm her anyway."
An insider first shared the news and said Sunday and said, "Zendaya is no longer involved int he project. Aaliyah has always been an inspiration to Zendaya. She was honored to portray her and pay tribute to her. If she is going to do it, she wants to do it right."
Production for movie is set to begin this summer. There is no word of who will replace Coleman, but Keshia Chante and singer Teyana Taylor are other celebrities who tried out for the role.
