The website Shadow & Act released an announcement this weekend that consists of an unconventional biopic based on the life of playwright, author, activist Lorraine Hansberry (A Raisin in the Sun),  in development with longtime collaborators Taye Hansberry(grand niece of Lorraine Hansberry and author of stuffshelikes.net), and Numa Perrier (The Couple) penning the script to a film that will star Taye in the title role, and will be directed by Perrier.

Issa Rae is set to play Nina Simone, who was a close friend of Lorraine until her death. And Jaleel White will play James Baldwin, Hansberry’s close friend and confidant. Will Stewart (Casting Director for Scandal) is casting the project, with additional announcements to come. Production is slated to begin in early fall, with the project now heading into the pre-production stage.