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Black Actresses Who Should Star in the New Murder She Wrote Movie

Octavia Spencer, Anika Noni Rose and Vanessa L. Williams lead our list of actresses who could be the new Jessica Fletcher.

Photo: Getty Images Arturo Holmes, Alberto E. Rodriguez, Phillip Faraone

Murder She Wrote is one of the most popular TV series of all time. The drama following author Jessica Fletcher as she solves mysteries in her small town of Cabot Cove, Maine. Seriously, Cabot Cove is the deadliest town in America. Look, so much of what makes the series a classic is Angela Lansburyโ€™s unforgettable portrayal of the smart, fearless Jessica. No one can ever replace her or copy what she brought to the role. However, there is room for a new interpretation. With Universal Pictures developing a new Murder She Wrote movie, we have some suggestions for Black actresses who could become the next Jessica Fletcher.

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Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

Octavia Spencer

Photo: Getty Images Alberto E. Rodriguez

About 10 years ago, NBC had plans to reboot Murder She Wrote into a new series. Octavia Spencer was set to take on the lead role, but the project never moved forward. The Oscar winner was cast for a reason. She has the perfect blend of drama and comedy to make the wild stories seem believable.

CCH Pounder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhxAeHdABSE

Angela Lansbury was a legend who brought gravitas to the quirky series. If youโ€™re looking for someone with a similar impact, look no further than CCH Pounder.

Loretta Devine

Photo: Getty Images Steven Simione

Loretta Devine brings an elegance to every role she plays. Jessica is smart, tough and honest, all qualities that the Waiting to Exhale star has in abundance.

Regina Hall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS405p7t_hc

Youโ€™d be hard pressed to find an actress better at effortlessly moving between serious moments and complete absurdity. Regina Hall can deliver the compassion needed in a particularly tough murder case, but also portray the ridiculousness thatโ€™s found in a small town.

Tracee Ellis Ross

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKVvn2Kp2zI

Tracee Ellis Ross is primarily known as a comedian, but weโ€™ve also seen her deliver very moving performances in black-ish and The High Note. She would definitely have a fresh, unique take on the character and introduce a new Jessica Fletcher.

Anika Noni Rose

Photo: Getty Images Arturo Holmes

Anika Noni Rose is a captivating actress who makes all her characters instantly likable. She feels like someone who would provide a stable presence among Cabot Coveโ€™s eccentric cast of characters.

Jennifer Hudson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTW_qTCm0qM

Hereโ€™s the thing: If you cast Jennifer Hudson, you have to find a reason for Jessica Fletcher to sing.

Keke Palmer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdxaiZhtYt4

On the off chance that producers decide to go in a completely different direction and explore how a young Jessica became the successful author/detective, Keke Palmer could definitely add her big personality to the character.

Viola Davis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcDfOghVsGs

Viola Davis is perfect for any role. If this were about a remake of King Lear, sheโ€™d still be on the list. If Universal wants to take Murder She Wrote in the same direction as Paramount has done with Mission: Impossible, Viola would be the big name to help launch a franchise.

Niecy Nash-Betts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQcjUsXONKo

With The Rookie: Feds still on the bubble at ABC, Niecy could be a brilliant Jessica Fletcher. Whatever direction the film goes in, the Emmy winner can handle it. Whether itโ€™s comedy, drama, hard-boiled thriller, or even the interesting โ€œJessica Fletcher is a serial killerโ€ internet theory. Niecy would kill every single one, pun intended.

Nia Long

Photo: Getty Images Araya Doheny

Nia Long has a captivating presence that commands the audience to pay attention. No matter where the mystery goes, she will compel viewers to follow the clues.

Yara Shahidi

Photo: Getty Images Theo Wargo

If weโ€™re considering a possible prequel, and this is just me guessing, Yara Shahidi would be a more modern Jessica. It would be extremely fascinating to see how the character and the mysteries work in 2023.

Jenifer Lewis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiEQuVYx1Q0

If youโ€™re looking for a fiery, gives no fucks Jessica, we have to talk about Jenifer Lewis. Iโ€™d love to see her as a feisty, independent woman whoโ€™s fought hard to become a successful author and has no time for those who question her skills as an investigator.

Vanessa L. Williams

Photo: Getty Images Phillip Faraone

In addition to being a talented actress whoโ€™s worked in multiple genres, Vanessa L. Williams is also very recognizable for the average viewer. Studios love casting likable, fan favorites, and thatโ€™s what she is.

Uzo Aduba

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMFtA3rAz7o

Uzo Aduba can make every scene feel important while also bringing a real world quality to the story. Sheโ€™s simultaneously regal and down to Earth.

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