All we know About Robin Roberts Presents I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story

Lifetime has recently unveiled the highly anticipated trailer for Robin Roberts Presents I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story, a captivating biopic that chronicles the iconic journey of the “Queen of Disco.”

The film is part of Lifetime’s Voices of a Lifetime event, which has already brought us films inspired by Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair and the incredible journey of singer and actress Lisa Velez (Lisa Lisa). The trailer promises a powerful mix of triumphs, struggles, and unforgettable music, highlighting the essence of Gaynor’s legendary rise to fame.

As part of the Voices of a Lifetime series, the film will continue the network’s tradition of telling inspiring stories of trailblazing figures in music, culminating in this intimate look at Gloria Gaynor’s life. With a cast led by Tony Award-winning Joaquina Kalukango, the biopic is set to leave a lasting impression on viewers. 

But what does the trailer reveal about this musical journey? And what can we expect next from the film? We’ve gathered all the latest details on this exciting project, so stay tuned for everything you need to know. As more updates unfold, we’ll be here to keep you in the loop with fresh details you won't want to miss.

Release date & Where to Watch

Robin Roberts Presents I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story will premiere on Lifetime on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at 8 pm ET. If you miss the live broadcast, you can stream it the next day on the Lifetime app. 

What’s the plot of Robin Roberts Presents I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story?

The biopic tells the story of Gloria Gaynor's rise to fame, showcasing her journey from humble beginnings to becoming America's "Queen of Disco." It will highlight many of the iconic songs that propelled her to stardom, including the legendary anthem "I Will Survive," which became a global symbol of empowerment. 

The film also explores the personal challenges Gaynor faced, particularly her difficult and controlling marriage to her husband and manager.

Who’s Starring?

Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango will portray two-time Grammy Award-winning singer Gloria Gaynor in Robin Roberts Presents I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story. Lance Gross, known for Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, will play Gaynor's husband, Linwood Simon, in the Lifetime biopic.

Is There a Trailer?

The trailer for Robin Roberts Presents I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story offers a compelling glimpse into the life of the legendary disco queen. The trailer shows a stirring rendition of "I Will Survive," symbolizing not just a career-defining song but also a personal anthem of resilience and empowerment.

The visuals and dialogues together paint a vivid picture of a woman who, despite numerous obstacles, remained steadfast in her pursuit of musical greatness. Overall, the trailer promises an intimate and inspiring portrayal of Gloria Gaynor's journey, blending her professional triumphs with personal introspection.

Behind the Scenes

Robin Roberts Presents I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story is an upcoming Lifetime biopic which is directed by Alicia K. Harris and written by Njeri Brown and Jane Espenson. The film is produced by Rock’n Robin Productions as part of Lifetime’s Voices of a Lifetime slate.

Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango stars as Gaynor and serves as an executive producer alongside Robin Roberts, Linda Berman, and Gaynor herself. The biopic will also feature an original song written and recorded by Gaynor. Lance Gross co-stars as Gaynor’s husband, Linwood Simon.

The film marks a reunion between Roberts and Kalukango, who previously collaborated on Mahalia, an Emmy-nominated Lifetime biopic under the Robin Roberts Presents banner.