Recording artist and Disney star Zendaya Coleman has been tapped to portray late singer Aaliyah in a biopic for Lifetime and the Replay singer took to Twitter to express her appreciation for snagging such a massive role.

“I'm just a 17 year old girl who got cast to play one of her biggest inspirations #positive,” Coleman tweeted. “She's been an inspiration and influence in my whole career, her talent still shines brighter then ever, all I wanna do is honor her.”

The TV film, based off the book Aaliyah: More Than a Woman by Christopher Farley, will showcase the career of Aaliyah. The R&B singer's life tragically came to an end in August 2001 when her plane crashed after takeoff in the Bahamas. She was 22.

Before her death, Aaliyah had released three albums – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number (1994), One in a Million (1996) and a self-titled record (2001) – and starred in 2000’s Romeo Must Die as well as Queen of the Damned released in 2002.

Yet, many took to Twitter to express their dismay with the casting stating that Coleman doesn’t resemble the late star.

“Zendaya looks nothing like Aaliyah and does not need to play that part,” tweeted one.

“Zendaya better kill this role... Because there are other celebs who look and sing better that could have been casted for Aaliyah...” wrote another.

However, others were pleased with the decision. "I think Zendaya Coleman will do a good job playing Aaliyah. She has my support!" tweeted one user.

"I'm excited for @Zendaya!!! I know how much she loves & looked up to Aaliyah!!! She's prefect for the role!!!" wrote another.

Tags: Zendaya Coleman