Rihanna to play dancer-singer Josephine Baker in new biopic?

London: R&B star Rihanna is reportedly being lined up to play Josephine Baker in a new biopic.

The Bajan star is the first choice to play the dancer-singer in a new film about Baker`s life, reported Digital Spy. Baker was born in America in 1905 and became a French citizen in 1937. She enjoyed a successful career in dance, music and acting, becoming the first African American female to star in a major motion picture. Her role in `Zouzou` in 1934 saw her become a world famous entertainer and she was also an influential civil rights campaigner. Production company Noosa Films and producer W Lance Reynolds are backing the 25-year-old `Umbrella` hitmaker for the role. "Rihanna is one of the most talented performers of this millennium. With her unique acting and performing abilities, I have no doubt she will bring Josephine back to life on the big screen," Reynolds said. The singer made her acting debut in 2012`s `Battleship` and is set to appear in apocalyptic comedy `This Is the End` later this year. PTI