Black Twitter called foul as the trailer for the infamous Nina Simone biopic starring Zoe Saldana was released today.

Photo: giphy.com

While a decent actress, Saldana’s attempts to darken her caramel hue to resemble Simone failed.  The black face backlash could have been avoided if a darker-skinned actress was originally cast. Below are 12 actresses better suited to accurately portray Nina Simone.

1. Viola Davis

Photo: www.people.com

The veteran actress has experienced new found fame as Annalise Keating on How to Get Away with Murder, and would have slayed this role.

2. Lorraine Toussaint

Photo: www.independent.co.uk

Toussaint won raves as Orange is the New Black’s villainous Vee and currently stars on Fox’s Rosewood, and there is no doubt that she would have brought all the conviction to playing Nina.

3. Mary J. Blige

Photo: thegaurdian.com

Originally slated to depict Simone, the Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul had to leave the project due to schedule conflicts. How Sway?!

4. Adepero Oduye

Photo: gradientlair
Photo: gradientlair

The actress is best known for her powerful role in the Dee Rees’ coming-of-age film, Pariah, and it wouldn’t have hurt had they considered her for the role, because she’s that good.

5. Anika Noni Rose

Photo: abc7.com

The Disney princess has conquered both the screen and stage in Dreamgirls and the Broadway production of Caroline or Change. Empress of Jazz is not so far removed from her repertoire.

6. Uzo Aduba

Photo: vulture.com

The Orange is the New Black star proved her vocal ability portraying Glenda the Good Witch on NBC’s The Wiz Live! Can’t you just imagine hearing her sing “My Baby Just Cares For Me”?!

7. Whoopi Goldberg

Photo: post-gazette.com

The Oscar-winning vet hasn’t held an Academy-worthy role in a while as she hosts ABC’s The View. Simone would have been perfect for the versatile actor.

8. Tika Sumpter

Photo: theyolandaadamsmorningshow.com

The star of The Haves and the Have Nots will portray First Lady Michelle Obama in the romantic film Southside With You, so she’s got the chops to properly identify with the love story of this biopic.

9. Teyonah Parris

Photo: issuemagazine.com

The actress turned heads in Dear White People and coveted the lead in Spike Lee’s explosive film Chiraq. Casting her would have had a whole generation of moviegoers in the bag.

10. Leslie Jones

Photo: xojane.com

The comic stuns weekly on Saturday Night Live and will expand her domain as a member of the all-female Ghostbuster’s reboot. She’s been the Twitter favorite for who Cynthia Mort should have cast as Nina.

11. Danai Gurira

Photo: ew.com

The Walking Dead’s lethal Michonne would have been perfect for the role of the “Feelin’ Good” songstress.

12. Rutina Wesley

Photo: blastr
Photo: blastr

The gorgeous actress is flexing her southern charm in the anticipated “Queen Sugar” and definitely could have made this biopic so sweet.

Nina arrives in theaters this spring. Whether any viewers follow is to be determined.

Photo: giphy
Photo: giphy

READ NEXT: The first trailer for ‘Nina’ is here