More than a decade after Alana Thompson made her debut on Toddlers & Tiaras at just 7 years old and became forever known as Honey Boo Boo, she’s telling her story her way. A Lifetime movie based on Alana’s life is coming this spring, and she will be the one narrating the ups and downs of being thrust into the spotlight at such an early age.
Earlier this week, People reported that the movie, I Was Honey Boo Boo, will premiere on Lifetime on May 17. As Alana tells her story through the narration, the younger version of her will be portrayed by Vale Cooper, while older Alana will be played by Isabelle Ayres.
Starting with Alana’s fun and seemingly carefree life as a child, navigating the pageant circuit with her mom, June Shannon (played by Chelsea Larkin) at her side, the movie will explore what was really going on behind the scenes as she got older.
“But behind closed doors were forced smiles, silent tears and the lingering sense of uncertainty for what the future held for Alana and her family,” reads Lifetime’s synopsis of the movie. “After a series of scandals and legal troubles, Alana’s world was turned upside down and she was ultimately placed in the care of her older sister, Lauryn ‘Pumpkin’ Efird (Georgia Small).”
The synopsis continues, “Now in college, Alana is determined to shake off the labels that have followed her, shed light on the darker side of child stardom and forge a path to overcome generational trauma and challenges.”
Alana herself shared the news on Instagram in a post she made on Thursday.
“This film tells my story, the real one,” Alana wrote in her caption. “Beyond the glitter, the pageants, and the catchphrases, there was a lot going on behind the scenes. I’m narrating the film myself because nobody can tell it like I can. From family struggles and hard truths to finding my own voice, I Was Honey Boo Boo shows the side of child stardom the cameras didn’t always catch.”
She added, “I hope this movie brings some healing, not just for me, but for anyone who’s ever felt misunderstood or unheard.”
The movie premieres at 8 p.m. ET on May 17 on Lifetime, and there’s no doubt this will be an interesting peek at what child stardom is really like.
