Yes, Aaliyah was originally cast in "Cradle 2 the Grave." She was set to co-star alongside Jet Li and DMX. However, after her tragic death in a plane crash in August 2001, her role was re-cast, and the film was released in 2003 with a different actress. Aaliyah's involvement had generated significant interest in the film, and her passing was a considerable loss to the project and her fans.

There is only one "Cradle 2 the Grave" movie, released in 2003. It stars Jet Li and DMX, and is an action film directed by André van Heerden. While it is part of a genre that includes various martial arts and action films, it is not part of a larger series or franchise with sequels. The film features themes of crime, family, and betrayal, centered around the efforts to recover a kidnapped daughter and a stolen black diamond.

Aaliyah plays the character Zia in the movie "Cradle 2 the Grave." The film, released in 2003, is an action thriller directed by André Morgan and features a cast that includes DMX, Jet Li, and Gabrielle Union. Aaliyah's role as Zia is significant as she is involved in the central conflict surrounding a stolen diamond and showcases her skills in action sequences. This film was one of her last before her tragic passing in 2001.

"Cradle 2 the Grave" is not based on a true story. The film, released in 2003, is a fictional action thriller directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak, featuring Jet Li and DMX. It follows a jewel thief and a government agent who team up to recover a stolen black diamond and rescue a kidnapped daughter. While it incorporates elements of crime and action typical of the genre, its plot and characters are the result of creative storytelling rather than real-life events.