Why Zendaya Left Aaliyah Biopic: 'She Wants To Do It Right,' Source Says

Disney star Zendaya Coleman backed out of Lifetime’s made-for-television-movie about late R&B singer Aaliyah, E! News reported. The child star left the film citing production issues, a source told the news site, and problems obtaining the rights to Aaliyah's music.

The R&B beauty tragically died at the age of 22 in a 2001plane crash. At the time of her death, the starlet had already achieved fame through singing and was pursuing a burgeoning acting career. Now, it seems, fans will not be able to see Aaliyah's journey.

“We are sad Zendaya will no longer portray Aaliyah, Lifetime tweeted Sunday. “Production is currently on hold.”

Zendaya, who dropped her last name professionally and just goes by her first name, hasn’t directly responded to the news, but instead retweeted E! News articles about not being involved in the film any longer, which included a quote from a source.

"Aaliyah has always been an inspiration to Zendaya," the source said to E! News. "She was honored to portray her and pay tribute to her. If she is going to do it, she wants to do it right."

News the 17-year-old would no longer be apart of the film comes just two weeks after it was announced she had landed the role, tentatively titled "Aaliyah: Princess of R&B." Controversy surrounded Zendaya landing the role, with some saying she was too young and others saying she didn’t look enough like the “Try Again” singer.

Production was supposed to begin this summer and Lifetime reportedly wanted to release it this fall. The flick was supposed to be about Aaliyah’s life and career, from her debut on “Star Search” to her rise to fame and finally, her tragic death.

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