Janelle Monáe will star in a film adaptation of Tanya Smith’s Never Saw Me Coming: How I Outsmarted the FBI and the Entire Banking System―and Pocketed $40 Million, Variety reports.
Smith’s memoir, published last August by Little, Brown, tells the story of her career as a financial criminal who used fraudulent bank transfers to steal millions of dollars. She was eventually convicted of fraud and money laundering, and released from prison in 1999. A critic for Kirkus called her book “an action-packed chronicle of deceit, betrayal, and greed.”
Monáe, the musician, author, and actor known for her roles in films, including Moonlight, Hidden Figures, and Glass Onion, will play Smith in the movie adaptation and will also produce. Smith will be an executive producer.
Smith shared news of the adaptation on Instagram, writing, “This movie represents more than just a film—it’s proof that your potential isn’t defined by where you come from or others’ expectations. It’s about who you are and how hard you’re willing to fight….And Janelle Monáe? When I think about her playing me, I get emotional. She’s not just an actress—she’s an artist who brings depth and soul to every role. Her ability to capture authenticity is breathtaking. I couldn’t have wished for anyone more perfect to bring my story to life.”
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
