Universal Pictures nabbed the rights to activist Tanya Smith’s banking system heist memoir, with the project to be produced through Wondaland Pictures.

Janelle Monáe steps into a daring new role as she prepares to portray Tanya Smith, the mastermind behind one of America’s most audacious bank heists. Universal Pictures has secured the rights to adapt Smith’s memoir Never Saw Me Coming: How I Outsmarted the FBI and the Entire Banking System — and Pocketed $40 Million into what promises to be a riveting heist thriller.

Janelle Monáe will be the star and producer of Never Saw Me Coming, an adaptation of Tanya Smith's memoir produced by Universal.

The singer will portray Tanya Smith in the film she is also producing through her Wonderland Pictures shingle.

Janelle Monáe has been tapped to play Tanya Smith in a Universal Pictures‘ adaptation of Smith’s memoir, Never Saw Me Coming: How I Outsmarted the FBI and the Entire Banking System — and Pocketed $40 Million.

Actress and singer Janelle Monae is set to star in and produce the Universal Pictures adaptation of Tanya Smith's heist memoir 'Never Saw Me Coming: How I Outsmarted the FBI and the Entire Banking System--and Pocketed $40 Million'.