Zendaya had the right idea when she backed out of the role as, Aaliyah. Alexandra Shipp on the other hand – poor girl didn’t see the slam coming. Well, she admitted to being hesitant, but the script is what pulled her in.

Prior to Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B‘s airing, Shipp talked to XXL about her role in the movie and her hopes that Timbaland and Missy Elliott would like what they watched. “I went into this from a place of love and admiration. Even though all the components weren’t able to come together in the end, I’m really proud of the work I did,” she says. “I hope that they watch and that they like it.” Okay, that SHIPP – LMAO – has sailed.

Drop down bottom for more.

JaaiR (JR)
Twitter | Instagram

Timbaland, on numerous occasions expressed his disdain for the Wendy Williams produced film. Some funny and some really showing his heartfelt love for the deceased songstress. Either way, Shipp’s hopes should be shattered right about ….now….

Check out the XXL interview.

I know there was a bit of a mix-up with Zendaya in the beginning. Can you tell me how you got the role of Aaliyah?
Alexandra Shipp: Me getting the role didn’t have anything to do with Zendaya necessarily. I auditioned for the role earlier in the year and when they went with Zendaya, I had went off to film Drumline: A New Beat for VH1 over in Atlanta. Once she dropped out, I got a phone call and they were like, “Are you still interested in playing the role?” and I was like, “Yeah, that would be great. I would love to play my idol.” I mean, it was a little nerve-wracking when it came down to the controversy but I’ve always been a huge fan of hers and I knew—well, hoped—that I would do her justice.

Why was it important for you to accept the role amidst of all the controversy?
Initially when I heard about the project, I was a little unsure. But then I read the script and that’s kind of what changed my mind. I read the script, I talked to the executive producer, Debra Martin Chase, who is wonderful. I spoke about it with my mom and everyone had the same question for me—“Do you think you can do it?” For me, I knew deep down inside that I could. It was something that I really wanted to be a part of because after reading the script, it’s a celebration about her life. I am such a huge fan of hers that I was like, “Man, I need to be a part of this celebration.” I don’t need to be a part of the drama and the controversy because that has nothing to do with me, I’m just the actress. When it came down to the work, I was like, “I need to be a part of this work.”

Hit up the gallery for more.