Zendaya was first attached to star as Aaliyah but ended up giving up on the project, according to her, due to the lack of production value, complications with the music rights, and it not being handled delicately considering the situation (Aaliyah's family disapproval of the making of the film). Alexandra Shipp was chosen to take on the role instead.
Producers weren't able to use any of Aaliyah's actual songs in the movie. Aaliyah's family, who owns the rights to her music, did not approve of this film being made citing inaccuracies as one of their reasons.
Production for the film began back in 2009 with Canadian R&B singer, Keshia Chante, originally slated to play the role of Aaliyah. Chante dropped out of production after Aaliyah's family voiced their opposition to the film. Kiely Williams was then offered the role but turned it down. The film was then shelved for nearly five years until Lifetime picked it up.
Aaliyah was Alexandra Shipp's idol
Wendy Williams is one of the executive producers of the movie.