Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango will star as Gloria Gaynor in Lifetime’s upcoming biopic, I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story. The film, executive produced by Robin Roberts and Gaynor herself, will trace the singer’s five-decade career, from her early days to her reign as the “Queen of Disco.” Lance Gross will co-star as Gaynor’s husband, Linwood Simon.
The biopic promises a mix of familiar hits and personal struggles. Viewers can expect to hear many of Gaynor’s chart-toppers, including the iconic “I Will Survive,” alongside a portrayal of the singer’s challenging marriage to Simon. This blend of musical celebration and personal drama is familiar territory for Lifetime, and with Kalukango’s proven talent for embodying musical icons (see Roberts’ previous biopic, Mahalia), the network likely hopes for similar awards recognition.
The project reunites Kalukango with Roberts, continuing Lifetime’s “Voices of a Lifetime” series of music biopics. This slate also includes films about Mary J. Blige and Lisa Lisa, suggesting the network is doubling down on the genre. Given the success of Mahalia, which garnered Emmy and Critics Choice nominations, this focus makes sense.
While music biopics often face scrutiny for accuracy and potential sanitization, Gaynor’s involvement as an executive producer and songwriter for an original song offers a degree of control over her own narrative. With a talented lead and the backing of a proven production team, I Will Survive has the potential to be more than just another by-the-numbers biopic.
I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story is a Rock’n Robin Production for Lifetime. Executive producers include Robin Roberts, Linda Berman, and Gloria Gaynor. Betsy Schechter is co-producer. Alicia K. Harris directs from a script by Njeri Brown and Jane Espenson. The film is set to air in 2025.
