First comes the book. Then comes the movie.
That's what unauthorized biographer Kitty Kelley is betting will be the trajectory for her latest tome, 'Oprah: A Biography' -- now that it has been optioned for a motion picture.
According to reports, Kelley finalized a six-figure deal with Larry Thompson, a veteran television producer behind biopics on Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Sonny and Cher, and with credits including the Comedy Central roast of Joan Rivers, and 'Celebrity Home Video.'
Thompson said that the plan is to develop the project to coincide with Oprah Winfrey's final syndicated episode in September 2011.'"I happen to be from Mississippi where she is from, and I know her career very well," he said. "I think it's a fabulous story, and it's certainly a challenge, but Kitty Kelley's extensively researched book offers us the factual foundation to frame our cinematic portrait of this powerful and beloved icon. Oprah Winfrey is a very powerful woman, and that's also something that will make our movie great."
Now the question is; who will portray the media queen?
"Casting someone to play Oprah will be the real challenge," Thompson added. "We are planning to audition both known and unknown actresses."
No word from Harpo Productions, which Kelley implied was trying to blackball her during the 500-page New York Times best-seller's release.
Winfrey continues to remain unfazed about the page turner, which Kelley claims to have interviewed over 850 people – including family members – for.
"Everyday [Gayle King is] getting herself more and more worked up about all of my new daddies that are now showing up," she said on the heels of its release. "Well, this too shall pass."
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