Janelle Monáe is set to take on a thrilling new role, starring in the upcoming adaptation of Tanya Smith’s memoir, Never Saw Me Coming: How I Outsmarted the FBI and the Entire Banking System and Pocketed $40 Million. The 39 year old actress and musician will portray Smith, a convicted con artist who executed one of the most sophisticated financial frauds in recent history.
The film, which will be produced by Monáe’s Wondaland Pictures, has been acquired by Universal Pictures. Ryan Jones, Universal’s senior vice-president of production development, and Tony Ducret, director of development, will oversee the project for the studio. Tanya Smith herself will serve as an executive producer, adding authenticity to the retelling of her high-stakes story.
Smith’s criminal career began as a teenager when she discovered a talent for defrauding banks. Over the years, she developed intricate hacking techniques, allowing her to siphon millions of dollars from financial institutions while eluding authorities. Despite the scale of her crimes, law enforcement initially dismissed the possibility that a Black woman could mastermind such a sophisticated operation. According to the film’s synopsis, the FBI underestimated her intelligence, believing, “These are not the kind of crimes Black people are smart enough to commit.”
After years of outmaneuvering law enforcement, Smith was ultimately caught by the FBI. However, her story took another twist when she successfully orchestrated her own legal defense. Having served her time, she has since become an advocate for prison reform and racial justice, using her experience to highlight systemic issues within the criminal justice system.
Monáe, known for her critically acclaimed performances in Moonlight and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, has continuously chosen roles that challenge societal norms. This latest project aligns with her commitment to telling impactful and thought-provoking stories. The adaptation of Smith’s memoir promises to be a gripping cinematic experience, blending crime, drama, and social commentary.
With Universal Pictures backing the film and Monáe leading the cast, Never Saw Me Coming is poised to become a compelling addition to the heist movie genre. As production gears up, audiences eagerly await how Monáe will bring Smith’s audacious and complex story to life on the big screen.
