Pop icon Mariah Carey and award-winning director Lee Daniels are teaming up once again, this time to bring Carey’s bestselling memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, to the screen. In an Instagram post shared on November 13, Daniels dropped a hint about the long-awaited biopic, calling it “another journey.” Carey appeared beside him, smiling as she responded, “And here we are.”
Daniels captioned the post, “A long time coming… I love this woman!” This reunion is the latest in their years-long collaboration, which began with Precious in 2009, where Carey impressed audiences with her role as social worker Ms. Weiss. Daniels has often praised Carey’s acting abilities, telling Variety in 2015, “She has certainly proven herself, good lord. Repeatedly.”
A New Challenge for Mariah Carey and Lee Daniels
Carey first hinted at the biopic adaptation in 2022, sharing her vision for the project and expressing excitement about casting. “It’s not about casting someone who sings ‘Mariah Carey style,’” she explained to USA Today. “It’s about casting a great actress with a somewhat similar look and just making sure the acting is there.”
The singer also stressed that the casting will prioritize strong acting. “We have the music—they can sing along to it,” she said, dismissing concerns over finding someone who can match her vocal prowess. Carey remains closely involved, asserting, “I own all my old masters.”
Daniels and Carey have hinted that the project could take the form of a film or a limited series, though fans are still awaiting confirmation. Daniels, known for his directorial successes like Empire and The Butler, recently described the upcoming adaptation as an “epic limited series.”
Carey’s followers have speculated on potential cast members, with names like Tori Kelly floated for the role. Regardless of casting choices, Daniels’s and Carey’s collaboration ensures that The Meaning of Mariah Carey will be a heartfelt journey for fans.
As Daniels put it, this adaptation is “a long time coming,” and fans are ready to join them on this new adventure.