Take Flight: Madonna to Direct Biopic of Star Ballerina Michaela De Prince

Madonna will direct for MGM the drama Take Flight, based on the life of ballerina Michaela De Prince.

The studio has been developing the project since 2015, when it bought rights to Michaela and Elaine DePrince’s memoir, “Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina.” The book follows Michaela DePrince’s life from an orphan in war-torn Sierra Leone to a world-renowned ballerina.

“Michaela’s journey resonated with me deeply as both an artist and an activist who understands adversity,” Madonna said. “We have a unique opportunity to shed light on Sierra Leone and let Michaela be the voice for all the orphaned children she grew up beside. I am honored to bring her story to life.”

Madonna will direct from a screenplay by Camilla Blackett (“New Girl”).

Alloy Entertainment’s Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton will produce alongside Ben Pugh and Guy Oseary.

MGM Production president Jonathan Glickman and Tabitha Shick will oversee the project.