There is a movie about Oprah Winfrey‘s life in pre-production, but she isn’t involved directly. TV movie producer Larry A. Thompson bought the rights to Kitty Kelley‘s controversial, unauthorized biography “Oprah: A Biography.” His plan is to adapt the book into a script to shop to different networks as a TV movie or mini-series that will coincide with the talk show queen’s last season in 2011.
The book chronicles Winfrey’s life from childhood to where she is today and even delves into her love life. Oprah hasn’t released any statements about the book or the project. The movie or miniseries is due to premiere when Oprah ends her nearly 30-year run as host of the infamous “Oprah Show.”
In the past, Thompson saw success in making TV movies about stars like Lucie and Desi Arnaz and Sonny and Cher. Thompson said this of his new venture:
“I happen to be from Mississippi where she is from, and I know her career very well. I think it’s a fabulous story, and it’s certainly a challenge, but Kitty Kelley’s extensively researched book offers us the factual foundation to frame our cinematic portrait of this powerful and beloved icon. Oprah Winfrey is a very powerful woman, and that’s also something that will make our movie great.”
Thompson also said he wants to cast an unknown actress for the role of Oprah because wants the audience to be able to see the actress as the icon and not as herself. However, Oprah Winfrey will not be involved with the movie and has dismissed the “so-called biography” in public statements.
