Madonna to Direct Upcoming Michaela DePrince-Based MGM Flick TAKING FLIGHT

According to Variety, Pop Icon Madonna is set to direct upcoming MGM Drama TAKING FLIGHT Based on the life of ballerina MICHAELA DePrince.

MGM has been developing "Taking Flight" since 2015, when it first bought rights to MICHAELA and Elaine DePrince's memoir, "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina." The book follows MICHAELA DePrince's life from an orphan in war-torn Sierra Leone to a world-renowned ballerina.

"Michaela's journey resonated with me deeply as both an artist and an activist who understands adversity," Madonna stated. "We have a unique opportunity to shed light on Sierra Leone and let MICHAELA be THE VOICE for all the orphaned children she grew up beside. I am honored to bring her story to life."

Madonna will direct from a screenplay by Camilla Blackett ("New Girl"). Alloy Entertainment's Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton will produce alongside Ben Pugh and Guy Oseary. MGM Production president Jonathan Glickman and Tabitha Shick are overseeing the project on behalf of the studio.

Madonna made her directing debut on the 2008 British comedy "Filth and Wisdom." She also helmed and co-wrote 2011's "W.E.," which chronicled the relationship between King Edward VIII and American divorcee Wallis Simpson. Her upcoming projects include co-writing and directing a film adaptation of Andrew Sean Greer's novel "The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells." The pop icon has sold more than 300 million records worldwide, Madonna is recognized as the best-selling female recording artist of all time by Guinness World Records. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) listed her as the second highest-certified female artist in the U.S., with 64.5 million album units. According to Billboard, Madonna is the most successful solo act on its Hot 100 singles chart and second overall behind the Beatles. She is also the highest-grossing solo touring artist of all time, earning U.S. $1.4 billion from her concert tickets. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility, Madonna topped VH1's countdown of 100 Greatest Women in Music. Additionally, Rolling Stone listed her among THE 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and THE 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.

Check out Michaela De Prince in action below!

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