Teyana Taylor is officially stepping into legendary shoes. The 33-year-old multi-hyphenate confirmed during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen that she is still preparing to portray music icon Dionne Warwick in an upcoming biopic.
The project has been in the works for years, first making headlines in 2020 when Warwick herself publicly endorsed Taylor as the only choice to play her.
Dionne Chose Teyana Herself
Back in 2020, Warwick took to X (formerly Twitter) and shut down speculation before it could even begin. “Please don’t ask who I would cast to play me as it would obviously be @TEYANATAYLOR,” the Walk On By singer declared.
Netflix even jumped in at the time, replying “taking notes,” which instantly fueled speculation about whether the project would move forward as a series or film.
Reflecting on the moment, Taylor gave Warwick full credit for making it happen:
“She found me on Twitter and was like, ‘That’s my twin,’” Taylor explained. “Then she literally made a tweet to Netflix and said, ‘When y’all ready, nobody else is playing me.’”
Taking Time to Get It Right
While fans are eager for production to begin, Taylor emphasized that the team is taking a careful approach.
“Yes, it is happening, but we want to get the script perfect,” she said. “I’m very protective of Miss Dionne. She’s got a lot of career and a lot of legacy that I want to make sure is done right. It’s kind of like, how do you put those many decades into a two-hour movie?”
Warwick’s career spans over six decades, boasting classics like I Say a Little Prayer and Do You Know the Way to San Jose. Beyond the hits, her activism and cultural influence have also left an indelible mark, making her story one of music, resilience, and legacy.
Teyana’s New Era
Taylor retired from music in 2020 but has since been building an empire behind the scenes. Through her company The Aunties Production, she has directed, produced, and taken on more acting roles — a shift that now places her squarely in the spotlight to embody Warwick’s extraordinary life.
“I’m very protective of her,” Taylor doubled down. “I want to make sure this is all perfect.”
Why This Biopic Matters
For fans, the film represents more than just another music biopic. Warwick is a trailblazer whose story intersects with the evolution of pop, R&B, and soul while also touching on activism and global recognition.
And for Taylor, it’s not just an acting role — it’s a responsibility.
