Rap-Up.com || Brandy Considered for Role of Precious?

Actress Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe is getting rave reviews for her portrayal as Claireece Precious Jones in Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire. But before the 26-year-old newcomer was cast, another unlikely actress was thought of for the role.

Sapphire, the author whose novel inspired the much-buzzed-about film, told Entertainment Weekly about the many offers she received and eventually turned down to take her book to the big screen.

One of them came from a producer who thought R&B singer and “Moesha” star Brandy should play the obese, illiterate New York City teenager. “I remember this one producer told me that he had found Precious—and it was going to be Brandy,” a shocked Sapphire said. “Excuse me? I literally almost hung up on him.”

She even received an offer from pop icon Madonna. “Then Madonna wanted to produce it. I was like, ‘Madonna?’ I don’t think this is her film.”

Filmmaker Lee Daniels (Monster’s Ball) eventually won the rights to make the movie, casting Sidibe as Precious and comedian Mo’Nique as her abusive mother, Mary Jones. Precious is now open in select cities.

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12 Comments

twitter.com/tevinchristophe
November 7th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
WELL SHE TRIED. Thats the business. Try, denied.
10 is ciaras
November 7th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
I love brandy, but the right person played precious.
Robert Loves Ciara
November 8th, 2009 at 12:16 am
Movie or no movie Brandy betta not gain 300 pounds… the devil IS a liar!!
Lisa
November 8th, 2009 at 12:21 am
What was Brandy going to do? Wear a fat suit? And Madonna know she need to sit her old ass down, trying to produce a black movie. Adopting some kids from Africa does not make you knowledge of us.
no
November 8th, 2009 at 4:52 am
@Lisa, calm down on the colors.
www.twitter.com/itsmayasworld
November 8th, 2009 at 7:12 am
Brandy wouldn’t have filled that role good anyways.
javonscott
November 8th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Im A B-Rocka STAN. & iAgree w/yall Brandy wouldn’t played this role aswell and the newcomer
Dave
November 8th, 2009 at 10:11 am
@Lisa,

you make absolutely no sense you swine.
Rick
November 8th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Let Lisa speak her mind, just cause you don’t agree doesn’t mean she off base.

Brandy? I love her but I couldn’t see her playing this role, sorry!
Kevo
November 15th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
You def don’t need to hang yourself Brandy is amazing!!! But they pick the right person!
blaqueprince
December 9th, 2009 at 8:58 am
I agree with you all…I’m not going to say that the Emmy award winning Brandy couldn’t play the part. I think they made a great choice in choosing the character. Other wise they would have to adjust the script to fit Brandy! Like made the Girl skinny or something! And I admit that a fat girl playing the part added a lil more to the movie!
Nick
December 19th, 2009 at 7:04 am
Wats wiv the Segregation?
People need to stop with the color fing!
its old and gettin a little boring!

White/Hispanic/Greek/Italian etc are just as talented as Black people!
Leave it alone!