It’s official; the cast for VH1’s upcoming TLC biopic is complete. Triple threat Keke Palmer will take on the role of Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas, alongside rapper Lil Mama as Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and The Game actress Drew Sidora as T-Boz.
Palmer, who is best known for her roles in Akeelah and the Bee and Madea’s Family Reunion, said she is honored to play in the film because she’s been a huge fan of the 90s girl group for as long as she can remember.
“I would sing “No Scrubs” over and over again to the point my parents would have to tell me to stop, but I never did. I had my little hairbrush as my mic and nobody could tell me I wasn’t the fourth member of TLC,” the 19-year-old said in an interview with Vibe. “I am a true fan. I love these ladies and I always want to be proud of my work in any role that I do.”
Despite Palmer’s excitement, some fans have questioned if she can look the part, so she took to Twitter to defend her role. “I don’t remember Angela Bassett looking ANYTHING like Tina Turner. And she RIPPED that role…People need to realize that movies aren’t casted by people looking like who they’re playing. They’re casted by who can do the role,” she wrote.
The biopic is scheduled to begin filming in Atlanta next month. An official released date has yet to be announced.