Janelle Monáe Set to Make New Medusa Film

It was recently announced that the hugely talented Janelle Monáe is set to turn her attention to one of the most famous and oldest stories ever told. The 39-year-old is reportedly teaming up with screenwriter Akela Cooper to make a film about Medusa, the legendary gorgon from Greek mythology.

There have been countless iterations of the Medusa story over the years, but this new one could offer a unique new take on it.

Medusa Has Always Been Prominent in Popular Culture

There are few stories from thousands of years ago that are as well known to this day as Medusa’s. Thanks to the regular adaptions across countless formats, most people know about the snake-haired monster who could turn people to stone.

In the modern age, Medusa is prevalent in the iGaming market, highlighting how a lot of people are drawn to the iconic figure. Of the various slot machines at Paddy Power, there are four Medusa-themed games to choose from, including Medusa Gems and Stone Gaze of Medusa. Indeed, of all the characters to have appeared on the reels, Medusa is one of the most prominent.

Medusa has appeared as a character in various works over the last few decades, with Jessica Parker Kennedy playing the role most recently. There have been a few films about Medusa or inspired by her, including the 2021 Brazilian horror offering and the 2022 British murder mystery, Medusa Deluxe.

What Do We Know About the Film?

Audiences have been crying out for a new mainstream Medusa film for years, and now there’s one on the way. According to a recent report from AV Club, Monáe’s television and film company Wondaland Pictures is hoping to produce a range of horrors and psychological pictures. Medusa is one of a few options on the horizon for the studio, and it’s set to be a horror offering based on the Greek tale.

Monáe is set to star in the picture as the title character, with M3GAN screenwriter Cooper set to pen the script. The film is called Don’t Look, clearly referencing the fact that anyone who looks into Medusas eyes turns to stone. It’s likely to be a modern retelling, with some elements from the original brought to life in the modern age.

What is Monáe Best Known For?

Monáe is known for several projects throughout the entertainment industry, with singing and rapping among her many talents. After making a name for herself through music and earning 10 Grammy nominations in the process, she turned her attention to acting and excelled in that field as well.

Monáe made a name for herself on the screen in 2016 when she starred in Moonlight. Since then, she has appeared in nine other features. The latest was in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, when she played the part of both Brand twins. The film was hugely popular, and earned a four-star rating from the Guardian.