Zendaya out of Aaliyah film

The Disney Channel star, 17, said that she pulled out of the project because “production-wise, (it) wasn’t all the way there.”

Photo: Agencies

Dust yourself off and try again Lifetime Network: Zendaya will no longer play Aaliyah in an upcoming film.

The Disney Channel star, 17, said that she pulled out of the project because “production-wise, (it) wasn’t all the way there.”

“Because it’s someone that I honour and I respect so much, it has to be 128 per cent, especially for all her fans, including myself,” Zendaya said. “I didn’t feel like it was all the way there. And when the time comes when it’s done right and it’s 100 per cent, by all means, I will be the first person there ready to go.”

Lifetime announced Zendaya’s participation two weeks ago. The announcement sparked anger from Aaliyah’s family, who are not participating in the project. The network tweeted: “We are sad Zendaya will no longer portray Aaliyah. Production is currently on hold.”

Others on social media suggested that another actress should play the late singer, who died in 2001 at age 22. Zendaya defended herself, saying she wanted to show young people what Aaliyah was able to do.

“Of course it was hard,” to pull out of the film, Zendaya said, “but again, I just think she ... deserves something really, really incredible and so I would rather wait for that.” The biopic was scheduled to film this summer.