Producer Larry Thompson announced today that he plans on turning Kitty Kelley’s controversial unauthorized biography on Oprah Winfrey into a TV movie or a miniseries. The biopic, said to be optioned for six figures, will air in September 2011, which will coincide with the end of Winfrey’s syndicate episode.
“Oprah Winfrey is a very powerful woman, and that’s also something that will make our movie great. As for the challenge of casting Winfrey, the plan is to audition both known and unknown actresses,” Thompson said, who prefers to cast an unknown. “Oprah Winfrey is one of the most famous faces on the planet, and if you have an actress people know, it may make it more difficult to get into the character as the face may block the icon.”
Thompson’s biopic credits includes Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Sonny and Cher, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
The film is being made without Winfrey’s permission and participation, she has yet to comment.
