Tessa Thompson to play notorious real-life jewel thief Doris Payne

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

In just a few short years, Tessa Thompson has taken part in some truly memorable projects, including CREED, THOR: RAGNAROK, ANNIHILATION, and Westworld, but her next film will see her taking on the leading role of Doris Payne, a jewel thief who gained notoriety for her luxury jewelry heists from stores around the world.

Per Variety, the upcoming film is being described as a "high-concept action-drama" such as CATCH ME IF YOU CAN or THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR. Doris Payne's criminal career spanned six-decades, during which she was arrested many times and admitted to having used twenty aliases, ten Social Security numbers, and nine dates of birth. Payne would enter jewelry stores posing as a well-to-do woman looking for a diamond ring and would ask the clerk if she could see a variety of items. Thanks to her charm, she would eventually cause the clerk to forget how many pieces had been removed from the case and would later leave with one or two pieces in her possession before they caught on. In a Twitter post, Thompson said, "After chasing Doris and her story for years— and then keeping this secret for awhile— I’m screaming that this dream is coming true. She is a deeply fascinating woman. So pleased to bring this story to the screen with CodeBlack & Lionsgate. Beyond grateful."

Doris Payne was previously featured in THE LIFE AND CRIMES OF DORIS PAYNE, a 2013 documentary in which she described her crimes, during which she said, "I don't have any regrets about stealing jewelry, I regret getting caught." No word on when this new project will land, but more Tessa Thompson is never a bad thing. The actress will next be seen in ANNIHILATION alongside Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Oscar Isaac, and Gina Rodriguez as a member of a team who enters "The Shimmer," a phenomenon which is rapidy expanding across the Americam coastline and leaves mutated landscape and creatures in its wake.

ANNIHILATION will hit theaters on February 23rd.