Actress Tessa Thompson will star in an upcoming biopic of international jewel thief and metro Atlanta resident Doris Payne, according to Variety.

>> Read more trending news

Payne, 87, has stolen approximately $2 million worth of jewelry and other items over her six-decade career. She was last arrested in July 2017, after she was accused of stealing $86.22 worth of merchandise from a DeKalb County, Ga., Walmart. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served.

Payne's most lucrative alleged heist occurred in the 1970s, when she was accused of stealing a 10-carat diamond ring worth $500,000 in Monte Carlo. Charges against her were dismissed when police could not find the ring. Payne detailed many of her crimes in a 2013 documentary, "The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne."

Notorious 86-Year-Old Jewel Thief Arrested Again, This Time At Walmart

Payne’s life rights were purchased by Codeblack Films, a subsidiary of Lionsgate. The film is currently untitled, Variety reported.

Thompson has had roles in "Thor: Ragnarok," "Creed," and "Selma." She will play Valkyrie in the upcoming "Avengers: Infinity War," which was filmed in Atlanta.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Plenty of free activities for kids are part of the Peachtree Corners Festival on Saturday and Sunday, including bubble fun, sand art and face painting. (Courtesy of Peachtree Corners Festival)

Credit: Photo courtesy of Peachtree Corners Festival

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com