Cynthia Erivo set to star in and produce film based on the life of Sarah Forbes Bonetta

Cynthia Erivo will star and produce a new film based on the life of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, an 19th century princess who was ‘gifted’ to Queen Victoria.

The Two-time Oscar-nominee, 33, will portray the story of the Egbado princess of the Yoruba people, orphaned and enslaved by a west African king, before travelling to England where she was renamed and taken in by the Queen’s court.

While her position in court put her at the centre of aristocracy, it did not protect her from public scrutiny or suffering or stop others from being ‘suspicious’ of her because she was an educated Black woman, reports Deadline. 

New project: Cynthia Erivo will star and produce a new film based on the life of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, an 19th century princess who was ‘gifted’ to Queen Victoria.

Cynthia told the publication: ‘I am excited to embark on this journey. It has taken a long time to get to a point where we can even begin to realise this dream.

‘As a Nigerian-British woman, to get the opportunity to tell the story of another Nigerian-British woman who until now has been erased from the history books, is an honour.

‘Miss Sarah Forbes Bonetta, Omoba Aina, is truly a passion of mine and I’m so pleased to have been able to find partners in the incredible women, Leah Clarke and Rienkje Attoh, to tell the story and finally give her a voice. ‘I cannot wait to dive into her story. She is indeed the forgotten princess, forgotten no more.’

Story: The Two-time Oscar-nominee, 33, will portray the story of the Egbado princess of the Yoruba people, orphaned and enslaved by a west African king, before travelling to England where she was renamed and taken in by the Queen’s court (pictured Sarah Forbes Bonetta)

The biopic will reportedly be a depiction of the princess as a ‘determined’ heroine, who found a way to highlight her heritage while forging a new path in Britain.

Sarah was orphaned during a war in her country with the nearby Kingdom of Dahomey and became the slave of King Ghezo of the enemy country.

In an incredible twist she was liberated from slavery by Captain Frederick E. Forbes of the British Royal Navy and became a goddaughter to Queen Victoria.

Cynthia told the publication: ‘I am excited to embark on this journey. It has taken a long time to get to a point where we can even begin to realise this dream’ (pictured February 2020)

Critical acclaim: Last year she received critical acclaim for her role in drama, Harriet, which tells the tale of an abolitionist who liberated hundreds of slaves (pictured)

Cynthia, who opened production company Edith’s Daughter, will co-produce with her partner Solome Williams, as well as Leah Clarke and Adam Ackland.

Rienkje Attoh from So & So Productions is also apparently on board and Benedict Cumberbatch is slated to executive-produce the new biopic. 

The British-Nigerian – who’s an Oscar away from EGOT status – first arrived on the scene following her stunning performance in The Color Purple.

Last year she received critical acclaim for her role in drama, Harriet, which tells the tale of an abolitionist who liberated hundreds of slaves.

Currently, she is starring in The Outside and will also play Aretha Franklin on National Geographic’s Genius: Aretha.