Exclusive: Adriyan Rae lands recurring role on Netflix’s Forever created by Mara Brock Akil.
Forever is a reimagination of the 1975 novel by Judy Blume and follows the epic love story of two Black teens exploring their identities through the awkward — and moving — journey of being each other’s firsts in 2018 Los Angeles. Like its inspiration, the show will examine “the idea of your first love being with you forever,” said Brock Akil, who created acclaimed stories of Black love and growth like sitcom Girlfriends and drama Being Mary Jane. She was also a writer on the YA comedy Moesha.
Oscar winner Regina King (One Night in Miami) will serve as executive producer and will direct the first episode.
Rae will portray Brittany, one of Keisha’s older cousins, and is described as a social climber who looks out for Keisha and her well-being like an older sister—even if...
Forever is a reimagination of the 1975 novel by Judy Blume and follows the epic love story of two Black teens exploring their identities through the awkward — and moving — journey of being each other’s firsts in 2018 Los Angeles. Like its inspiration, the show will examine “the idea of your first love being with you forever,” said Brock Akil, who created acclaimed stories of Black love and growth like sitcom Girlfriends and drama Being Mary Jane. She was also a writer on the YA comedy Moesha.
Oscar winner Regina King (One Night in Miami) will serve as executive producer and will direct the first episode.
Rae will portray Brittany, one of Keisha’s older cousins, and is described as a social climber who looks out for Keisha and her well-being like an older sister—even if...
- 4/2/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Actress Regina King is known for her role as Sharon Rivers in the film If Beale Street Could Talk. King won the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for the role. She then went on to win a Primetime Emmy Award, her fourth, for her role as Sister Night a.k.a Angela Abar in the HBO series Watchmen.
King has since gone on to be a producer and has also been the director of several episodes of TV and made her feature film debut with One Night in Miami. The film was nominated for the Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Song. The actress mentioned how Hollywood gave her the power to tell marginalized stories not just as an actor, but also as a producer and director.
Regina King’s Career And Life A still from If Beale Street Could Talk
Regina King...
King has since gone on to be a producer and has also been the director of several episodes of TV and made her feature film debut with One Night in Miami. The film was nominated for the Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Song. The actress mentioned how Hollywood gave her the power to tell marginalized stories not just as an actor, but also as a producer and director.
Regina King’s Career And Life A still from If Beale Street Could Talk
Regina King...
- 3/27/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Laurence Andries, a TV writer and producer who has worked on shows including Blue Bloods, How to Get Away with Murder and The Pacific, has been charged with six felony counts of sexual assault in Los Angeles.
The accuser, a John Doe, claims Andries drugged and assaulted him in June 2022 after they met for drinks. The writer-producer was arrested in August 2023 after charges were filed by the Los Angeles District Attorney. He remains free on a $150,000 bond and has not yet had a preliminary hearing, according to the Los Angeles Times.
News of the charges came to light after the John Doe, a military veteran, appeared this week in an ABC-7 interview, calling Andries his mentor in the industry.
“I believe that he drugged one of my drinks, took me to his place and then … I can’t say the word. I’m sorry, I can’t say it,” the...
The accuser, a John Doe, claims Andries drugged and assaulted him in June 2022 after they met for drinks. The writer-producer was arrested in August 2023 after charges were filed by the Los Angeles District Attorney. He remains free on a $150,000 bond and has not yet had a preliminary hearing, according to the Los Angeles Times.
News of the charges came to light after the John Doe, a military veteran, appeared this week in an ABC-7 interview, calling Andries his mentor in the industry.
“I believe that he drugged one of my drinks, took me to his place and then … I can’t say the word. I’m sorry, I can’t say it,” the...
- 3/8/2024
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Few feelings are more unforgettable than first love: The passion. The butterflies. The heartbreak! Megaproducer Mara Brock Akil clearly agrees, as she’s about to tackle one of the most impactful first-love stories of all time: Forever by young adult icon Judy Blume.
A reimagination of the 1975 novel, the upcoming series will follow the epic love story of two Black teens exploring their identities through the awkward — and moving — journey of being each other’s capital-f Firsts in 2018 Los Angeles. Like its inspiration, the show will examine “the idea of your first love being with you forever,” said Brock Akil, who created acclaimed stories of Black love and growth like sitcom Girlfriends and drama Being Mary Jane. She was also a writer on touchstone ’90s YA comedy Moesha.
“Judy Blume’s ability to capture the real emotions we experience during the various rites of passage of our youth influenced...
A reimagination of the 1975 novel, the upcoming series will follow the epic love story of two Black teens exploring their identities through the awkward — and moving — journey of being each other’s capital-f Firsts in 2018 Los Angeles. Like its inspiration, the show will examine “the idea of your first love being with you forever,” said Brock Akil, who created acclaimed stories of Black love and growth like sitcom Girlfriends and drama Being Mary Jane. She was also a writer on touchstone ’90s YA comedy Moesha.
“Judy Blume’s ability to capture the real emotions we experience during the various rites of passage of our youth influenced...
- 3/7/2024
- by Ariana Romero
- Tudum - Netflix
Karen Pittman (The Morning Show) and The Wire alum Wood Harris are set as leads opposite Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone in Forever, Netflix’s upcoming drama series from Girlfriends and Being Mary Jane creator Mara Brock Akil.
A reimagining of Judy Blume’s influential — and controversial — 1975 novel Forever… for a new generation, the series adaptation tells the epic love story of two Black teens, Keisha Clark (Simone) and Justin Edwards (Cooper Jr.) exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts, set in Los Angeles, 2018.
Pittman plays Dawn, a college-educated, top executive in corporate finance with an easy elegance that belies her loving but paranoid form of parenting, Justin’s (Cooper Jr.) mother Dawn might be strict at times, but it’s always out of love. She’s worked hard to give him the things he needs to succeed in life and...
A reimagining of Judy Blume’s influential — and controversial — 1975 novel Forever… for a new generation, the series adaptation tells the epic love story of two Black teens, Keisha Clark (Simone) and Justin Edwards (Cooper Jr.) exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts, set in Los Angeles, 2018.
Pittman plays Dawn, a college-educated, top executive in corporate finance with an easy elegance that belies her loving but paranoid form of parenting, Justin’s (Cooper Jr.) mother Dawn might be strict at times, but it’s always out of love. She’s worked hard to give him the things he needs to succeed in life and...
- 3/7/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Taraji P. Henson showed off one of her tattoos as she took to the stage at the American Black Film Festival Honors on Sunday night.
“I got this tattoo a year ago, ‘The truth,’” she said, raising her left arm to the crowd, “because at the end of the day, that’s all we have, our truth. And if you are alive and God blessed you with another day to live, it is your time to tell the truth. Because by you telling the truth, you’re setting yourself free and somebody else free. But if you stay quiet, nothing changes.”
Henson was the female recipient of ABFF’s Excellence in the Arts Award, presented to her by longtime friend and Baby Boy co-star Tyrese. While on the promotional tour for The Color Purple at the end of last year, Henson spoke out about the pay disparity for Black actresses,...
“I got this tattoo a year ago, ‘The truth,’” she said, raising her left arm to the crowd, “because at the end of the day, that’s all we have, our truth. And if you are alive and God blessed you with another day to live, it is your time to tell the truth. Because by you telling the truth, you’re setting yourself free and somebody else free. But if you stay quiet, nothing changes.”
Henson was the female recipient of ABFF’s Excellence in the Arts Award, presented to her by longtime friend and Baby Boy co-star Tyrese. While on the promotional tour for The Color Purple at the end of last year, Henson spoke out about the pay disparity for Black actresses,...
- 3/4/2024
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gabrielle Union has embraced fashion week around the globe as luxury labels court celebrities for their front-row shows. The Being Mary Jane star looked especially radiant on February 19 as she entered London’s Victoria Park for the catwalk presentation of Burberry’s Autumn/Winter 2024 collection.
Gabrielle Union at the Burberry Winter 2024 show | 1st and 2nd image: Neil Mockford / Ricky Vigil M/Gc Images; 3rd image: Daniel Leal/Afp via Getty Images
Union, 51, donned a long-sleeved velvet dress covered in white daisies, red poppies, and blue florals. With a handkerchief hem and circular back cutout, the $4,050 look was decidedly boho and straight from Burberry’s summer 2024 collection.
Emma Weymouth, Marchioness of Bath, and Gabrielle Union at the Burberry Winter 2024 show during London Fashion Week on February 19, 2024 in London, England | 1st and 2nd image: Neil Mockford/Ricky Vigil M/Gc Images; 3rd image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Burberry
Union paired the...
Gabrielle Union at the Burberry Winter 2024 show | 1st and 2nd image: Neil Mockford / Ricky Vigil M/Gc Images; 3rd image: Daniel Leal/Afp via Getty Images
Union, 51, donned a long-sleeved velvet dress covered in white daisies, red poppies, and blue florals. With a handkerchief hem and circular back cutout, the $4,050 look was decidedly boho and straight from Burberry’s summer 2024 collection.
Emma Weymouth, Marchioness of Bath, and Gabrielle Union at the Burberry Winter 2024 show during London Fashion Week on February 19, 2024 in London, England | 1st and 2nd image: Neil Mockford/Ricky Vigil M/Gc Images; 3rd image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Burberry
Union paired the...
- 2/20/2024
- by Ali Hicks
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. (On the Come Up) are set as the leads of Forever, Netflix’s upcoming series from Girlfriends and Being Mary Jane creator Mara Brock Akil. Regina King (One Night In Miami) will direct the first episode and executive produce the series, a reimagening of Judy Blume’s influential — and controversial — 1975 novel Forever… for a new generation.
The series adaptation tells the epic love story of two Black teens, Keisha Clark (Simone) and Justin Edwards (Cooper Jr.) exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts, set in Los Angeles, 2018.
Simone’s Keisha Clark is a young confident, smart, and fiery track star with clear dreams for life after high school. Cooper Jr.’s Justin Edwards is a young man who is a nerd at heart disguised in an athlete’s body. Justin dreams of...
The series adaptation tells the epic love story of two Black teens, Keisha Clark (Simone) and Justin Edwards (Cooper Jr.) exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts, set in Los Angeles, 2018.
Simone’s Keisha Clark is a young confident, smart, and fiery track star with clear dreams for life after high school. Cooper Jr.’s Justin Edwards is a young man who is a nerd at heart disguised in an athlete’s body. Justin dreams of...
- 2/15/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Which familiar faces will join Ted Danson in his Netflix detective comedy, created by Mike Schur? Consider that mystery solved.
A Classic Spy, which stars Danson as a retiree named Charles who becomes a mole in a secret investigation, just announced its ensemble cast, including several actors from previous Schur projects The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Brenda Song Joins Mindy Kaling Series, Priscilla on Max and MoreNetflix Cancels Cobra Kai Creators' Action-Comedy Obliterated After 1 SeasonMatthew Macfadyen, Michael Shannon to Star in James Garfield Drama From Game of Thrones EPs
Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Rosa) will play Didi,...
A Classic Spy, which stars Danson as a retiree named Charles who becomes a mole in a secret investigation, just announced its ensemble cast, including several actors from previous Schur projects The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Brenda Song Joins Mindy Kaling Series, Priscilla on Max and MoreNetflix Cancels Cobra Kai Creators' Action-Comedy Obliterated After 1 SeasonMatthew Macfadyen, Michael Shannon to Star in James Garfield Drama From Game of Thrones EPs
Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Rosa) will play Didi,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has revealed its honorees for its annual awards ceremony: This year, Garrett Morris, Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright and Mara Brock Akil will be recipients of special awards.
Morris, actor, comedian and first Black castmember of Saturday Night Live, is receiving the Hollywood Legacy Award, which is “presented to a trailblazing artists whose work (four decades or more) has inspired generations and made an enduring contribution to film and television.” Henson, who is a Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress, is receiving the Excellence in the Arts Award (Female), which honors “a highly acclaimed artist in recognition of their body of work and distinguished career achievement.”
The Excellence in the Arts Award (Male) will be awarded to Wright, who is Oscar-nominated this year for his work in American Fiction. The Industry Visionary Award will be presented to screenwriter and producer Akil (Girlfriends, The Game,...
Morris, actor, comedian and first Black castmember of Saturday Night Live, is receiving the Hollywood Legacy Award, which is “presented to a trailblazing artists whose work (four decades or more) has inspired generations and made an enduring contribution to film and television.” Henson, who is a Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress, is receiving the Excellence in the Arts Award (Female), which honors “a highly acclaimed artist in recognition of their body of work and distinguished career achievement.”
The Excellence in the Arts Award (Male) will be awarded to Wright, who is Oscar-nominated this year for his work in American Fiction. The Industry Visionary Award will be presented to screenwriter and producer Akil (Girlfriends, The Game,...
- 1/24/2024
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Taraji P. Henson, Jeffrey Wright, Garrett Morris and Mara Brock Akil will be saluted at the sixth annual ABFF Honors, presented by Nice Crowd.
Founded in 2016, ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s awards season gala, dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. The intimate, non-televised dinner, to be held at the Sls in Beverly Hills on March 3, will be hosted by actor and comedian Tommy Davidson.
Henson and Wright — who sat down last year for Variety’s Actors on Actors series to discuss their turns in “The Color Purple” and “American Fiction,” respectively — will receive the Excellence in the Arts awards, presented in recognition of their body of work and career achievement. News comes a day after Wright earned his first Academy Award nomination for the role, adding to a trophy case that already includes Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony awards; meanwhile, the...
Founded in 2016, ABFF Honors is the American Black Film Festival’s awards season gala, dedicated to recognizing excellence in the motion picture and television industry. The intimate, non-televised dinner, to be held at the Sls in Beverly Hills on March 3, will be hosted by actor and comedian Tommy Davidson.
Henson and Wright — who sat down last year for Variety’s Actors on Actors series to discuss their turns in “The Color Purple” and “American Fiction,” respectively — will receive the Excellence in the Arts awards, presented in recognition of their body of work and career achievement. News comes a day after Wright earned his first Academy Award nomination for the role, adding to a trophy case that already includes Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony awards; meanwhile, the...
- 1/24/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Actors Stephen Bishop, LeToya Luckett (Greenleaf), and Iyana Halley (This is Us) have signed on to lead the BET+ thriller One Night Stay from Worldwide Entertainment and Media in association with Choice Films.
Developed by Jenna Frank and Zach Hunter under the Beautiful Orchid Media label, the pic was written by Curtis Cardwell. Director is Rick S Mordecon. The film is set for a January 4 release on BET+.
The film’s synopsis reads: Obsessive Jessica (Halley) refuses to be discarded after a one-night stand gone wrong. Instead of leaving Marcus’ (Bishop) luxurious mansion, she finds a quiet place to hide and moves in permanently. Resuming their seemingly perfect lives, power couple Marcus and Milan (Luckett) have no idea Jessica is now living with them.
Bishop is best known for his role in BET’s popular series Being Mary Jane. Luckett, a former musician and member of the RnB group Destiny’s Child,...
Developed by Jenna Frank and Zach Hunter under the Beautiful Orchid Media label, the pic was written by Curtis Cardwell. Director is Rick S Mordecon. The film is set for a January 4 release on BET+.
The film’s synopsis reads: Obsessive Jessica (Halley) refuses to be discarded after a one-night stand gone wrong. Instead of leaving Marcus’ (Bishop) luxurious mansion, she finds a quiet place to hide and moves in permanently. Resuming their seemingly perfect lives, power couple Marcus and Milan (Luckett) have no idea Jessica is now living with them.
Bishop is best known for his role in BET’s popular series Being Mary Jane. Luckett, a former musician and member of the RnB group Destiny’s Child,...
- 1/2/2024
- by Zac Ntim and Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Writer and producer Mara Brock Akil can now add actress to her resume. Known for creating such shows as Love Is, Being Mary Jane, The Game and Girlfriends, Brock Akil stars in a new action-adventure-style campaign video directed by Tyler, the Creator. It celebrates the latest collaboration between his sporty le Fleur clothing line and iconic label Lacoste.
The Lacoste x le Fleur capsule collection, available at lacoste.com and golflefleur.com, includes everything from a Varsity jacket and a knit cardigan to polo shirts, alpaca wool sweater vests, socks, T-shirts, pleated trousers and skirts, and even Swarovski pearl necklaces and bracelets, with prices ranging from $45 to $895 (for the Varsity jacket.) Logo details on the pieces include chainstitch embroidery with the word le Fleur as well as the Lacoste crocodile with Fleur printed on it.
Related: How Veteran Screenwriter and Producer Mara Brock Akil Is Supporting Writers With Nail Polish...
The Lacoste x le Fleur capsule collection, available at lacoste.com and golflefleur.com, includes everything from a Varsity jacket and a knit cardigan to polo shirts, alpaca wool sweater vests, socks, T-shirts, pleated trousers and skirts, and even Swarovski pearl necklaces and bracelets, with prices ranging from $45 to $895 (for the Varsity jacket.) Logo details on the pieces include chainstitch embroidery with the word le Fleur as well as the Lacoste crocodile with Fleur printed on it.
Related: How Veteran Screenwriter and Producer Mara Brock Akil Is Supporting Writers With Nail Polish...
- 10/27/2023
- by Degen Pener
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Los Angeles, Oct 25 (Ians) Actor Richard Roundtree, best known for his leading role in the iconic 1970s ‘Shaft’ film franchise and the TV series ‘Roots’, has died. He was 81.
His manager Patrick Mann confirmed that the actor died Tuesday at his home with his family by his bedside in Los Angeles from pancreatic cancer, reports ‘People’ magazine.
“Artistes & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree,” the actor’s agency said in a statement to ‘People’.
“His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Gabrielle Union, who starred alongside the actor in the TV series, ‘Being Mary Jane’, reflected on her time with Roundtree in a tribute on X.
“Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang...
His manager Patrick Mann confirmed that the actor died Tuesday at his home with his family by his bedside in Los Angeles from pancreatic cancer, reports ‘People’ magazine.
“Artistes & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree,” the actor’s agency said in a statement to ‘People’.
“His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Gabrielle Union, who starred alongside the actor in the TV series, ‘Being Mary Jane’, reflected on her time with Roundtree in a tribute on X.
“Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang...
- 10/25/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Los Angeles, Oct 25 (Ians) Actor Richard Roundtree, best known for his leading role in the iconic 1970s ‘Shaft’ film franchise and the TV series ‘Roots’, has died. He was 81.
His manager Patrick Mann confirmed that the actor died Tuesday at his home with his family by his bedside in Los Angeles from pancreatic cancer, reports ‘People’ magazine.
“Artistes & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree,” the actor’s agency said in a statement to ‘People’.
“His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Gabrielle Union, who starred alongside the actor in the TV series, ‘Being Mary Jane’, reflected on her time with Roundtree in a tribute on X.
“Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang...
His manager Patrick Mann confirmed that the actor died Tuesday at his home with his family by his bedside in Los Angeles from pancreatic cancer, reports ‘People’ magazine.
“Artistes & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree,” the actor’s agency said in a statement to ‘People’.
“His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Gabrielle Union, who starred alongside the actor in the TV series, ‘Being Mary Jane’, reflected on her time with Roundtree in a tribute on X.
“Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang...
- 10/25/2023
- by Agency News Desk
Tributes have begun to pour in for Richard Roundtree following the revered actor’s death at 81. Roundtree, who starred as the memorable detective in 1971’s Shaft, died at his Los Angeles home of pancreatic cancer.
Roundtree’s manager Patrick McMinn confirmed his death. “Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” McMinn, who was his manager since 1987, said in a statement.
Samuel L. Jackson, who portrayed John Shaft’s nephew in the 2000 sequel to Gordon Park’s 1971 action film, shared an early remembrance on social media.
Roundtree’s manager Patrick McMinn confirmed his death. “Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” McMinn, who was his manager since 1987, said in a statement.
Samuel L. Jackson, who portrayed John Shaft’s nephew in the 2000 sequel to Gordon Park’s 1971 action film, shared an early remembrance on social media.
- 10/25/2023
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Richard Roundtree died and Hollywood is reacting to the news as they remember the late actor.
Samuel L. Jackson was one of the first celebrities to pay tribute to Roundtree having worked together in the reboot of Shaft. Jackson said that Roundtree’s “passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart.”
Gabrielle Union, who worked with Roundtree on the television series Being Mary Jane, took to social media to express what a “dream” it was to share scenes with him.
“Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang with him & our Being Mary Jane family was always a good ass time with the best stories & laughs,” Union posted on X, the social network fomerly known as Twitter. “He was Always the coolest man in the room with the Best vibes & ppl would literally run over to come see him. He was simply the best & we all loved him.
Samuel L. Jackson was one of the first celebrities to pay tribute to Roundtree having worked together in the reboot of Shaft. Jackson said that Roundtree’s “passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart.”
Gabrielle Union, who worked with Roundtree on the television series Being Mary Jane, took to social media to express what a “dream” it was to share scenes with him.
“Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang with him & our Being Mary Jane family was always a good ass time with the best stories & laughs,” Union posted on X, the social network fomerly known as Twitter. “He was Always the coolest man in the room with the Best vibes & ppl would literally run over to come see him. He was simply the best & we all loved him.
- 10/25/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Samuel L. Jackson, Gabrielle Union and Taraji P. Henson are among Hollywood notables remembering Richard Roundtree, who died Tuesday at the age of 81.
His manager, Patrick McMinn, told The Hollywood Reporter that the Shaft star died at his Los Angeles home of pancreatic cancer. Roundtree had other memorable roles in Roots, Once Upon a Time … When We Were Colored and Man Friday.
Jackson, who took over the Shaft film franchise from Roundtree in 2000, also starred as John Shaft’s (Roundtree) nephew in the sequel to the 1971 movie. Apart from appearing together in the 2000 movie, Roundtree and Jackson also teamed up again for the 2019 Shaft sequel.
In a touching tribute on Instagram, Jackson wrote, “Richard Roundtree, The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!! Shaft, as we know it is & will always be His Creation!!”
He continued, “His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m...
His manager, Patrick McMinn, told The Hollywood Reporter that the Shaft star died at his Los Angeles home of pancreatic cancer. Roundtree had other memorable roles in Roots, Once Upon a Time … When We Were Colored and Man Friday.
Jackson, who took over the Shaft film franchise from Roundtree in 2000, also starred as John Shaft’s (Roundtree) nephew in the sequel to the 1971 movie. Apart from appearing together in the 2000 movie, Roundtree and Jackson also teamed up again for the 2019 Shaft sequel.
In a touching tribute on Instagram, Jackson wrote, “Richard Roundtree, The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!! Shaft, as we know it is & will always be His Creation!!”
He continued, “His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m...
- 10/25/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Samuel L. Jackson, Gabrielle Union and more have paid tribute to “Shaft” icon Richard Roundtree, who died Tuesday afternoon after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 81.
Jackson, who first portrayed detective John Shaft’s (Roundtree) nephew in the 2000 sequel to Gordon Parks’ 1971 action thriller “Shaft,” posted a photo of himself and Roundtree on Instagram from the 2019 action thriller, also titled “Shaft.”
“Richard Roundtree, The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!! Shaft, as we know it is & will always be His Creation!!,” Jackson wrote in the caption. “His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too.”
“Love you Brother, I see you walking down the Middle of Main Street in Heaven & Issac’s Conducting your song coat blowin’ in wind!! Angels whispering, ‘That Cat Shaft Is A Bad Mutha, Shutcho Mouth!! But I’m Talkin’ Bout Shaft!
Jackson, who first portrayed detective John Shaft’s (Roundtree) nephew in the 2000 sequel to Gordon Parks’ 1971 action thriller “Shaft,” posted a photo of himself and Roundtree on Instagram from the 2019 action thriller, also titled “Shaft.”
“Richard Roundtree, The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!! Shaft, as we know it is & will always be His Creation!!,” Jackson wrote in the caption. “His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too.”
“Love you Brother, I see you walking down the Middle of Main Street in Heaven & Issac’s Conducting your song coat blowin’ in wind!! Angels whispering, ‘That Cat Shaft Is A Bad Mutha, Shutcho Mouth!! But I’m Talkin’ Bout Shaft!
- 10/25/2023
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Richard Roundtree, known for his role as Shaft in the series of films, died at the age of 81. The actor has left a legacy in both film and television for generations to come.
Roundtree made his debut in film as John Shaft in Shaft about a private detective who is hired by a mobster to help rescue his daughter who was kidnapped by Italian mobsters. The actor would go on to reprise his role of Shaft in the sequels Shaft’s Big Score (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973). A reboot of Shaft starring Samuel L. Jackson was released in 2000 with Roundtree appearing as “Uncle” Shaft. Roundtree also played the role in the short-lived CBS series.
Other films in which Roundtree appeared in include Embassy (1972), Earthquake (1974), Man Friday (1975), Diamonds (1975), Escape to Athena (1979), City Heat (1984), George of the Jungle (1997), What Men Want (2019) and The Haunting of the Mary Celeste (2020), just to name a few.
Roundtree made his debut in film as John Shaft in Shaft about a private detective who is hired by a mobster to help rescue his daughter who was kidnapped by Italian mobsters. The actor would go on to reprise his role of Shaft in the sequels Shaft’s Big Score (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973). A reboot of Shaft starring Samuel L. Jackson was released in 2000 with Roundtree appearing as “Uncle” Shaft. Roundtree also played the role in the short-lived CBS series.
Other films in which Roundtree appeared in include Embassy (1972), Earthquake (1974), Man Friday (1975), Diamonds (1975), Escape to Athena (1979), City Heat (1984), George of the Jungle (1997), What Men Want (2019) and The Haunting of the Mary Celeste (2020), just to name a few.
- 10/25/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
As confirmed by Deadline, Richard Roundtree, the groundbreaking star of the original "Shaft" franchise has died as a result of pancreatic cancer. He was 81. Roundtree was a gifted athlete who played for New Rochelle High School's nationally-ranked and undefeated football team but later dropped out of college after he was scouted by Ebony Fashion Fair founder Eunice W. Johnson and began modeling for companies like Duke hair products and Salem cigarettes. A few years later, he joined the Negro Ensemble Company theater group in New York City, where he became a fast leading man. This led to a successful career in front of the camera, where Roundtree would become colloquially known as the "first Black action hero."
He appeared in a number of Blaxploitation films in the 1970s, but he became a cinematic icon as detective John Shaft in the films "Shaft," "Shaft's Big Score!," "Shaft in Africa," and the short-lived series adaptation.
He appeared in a number of Blaxploitation films in the 1970s, but he became a cinematic icon as detective John Shaft in the films "Shaft," "Shaft's Big Score!," "Shaft in Africa," and the short-lived series adaptation.
- 10/25/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Richard Roundtree, who played the iconic lead character in the 1971 movie Shaft and its sequels, has died at the age of 81. The actor passed away on Tuesday “after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer with his family at his bedside,” per our sister site Deadline.
“Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree,” the actor’s agency said in a statement. “His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
“Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree,” the actor’s agency said in a statement. “His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
- 10/25/2023
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
Richard Roundtree, who broke ground with his signature role in the Shaft movie franchise, died October 24 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer with his family at his bedside. He was 81.
Roundtree’s career spanned five decades and included everything from his most popular blaxploitation role to a very early appearance on As the World Turns in 1956 to being a Season 2 main cast member on Ava DuVernay’s OWN series Cherish the Day last year.
He is best known for playing detective John Shaft in the 1971 action thriller and its sequels, Shaft’s Big Score! (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973) as well as the short-lived 1973 Shaft TV series.
For his performance in the original film, Roundtree was nominated for a New Star of the Year Golden Globe and hailed as the first Black action hero. More importantly, the films made Shaft a cultural hero, a symbol of Black power onscreen, at the box office and beyond.
Roundtree’s career spanned five decades and included everything from his most popular blaxploitation role to a very early appearance on As the World Turns in 1956 to being a Season 2 main cast member on Ava DuVernay’s OWN series Cherish the Day last year.
He is best known for playing detective John Shaft in the 1971 action thriller and its sequels, Shaft’s Big Score! (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973) as well as the short-lived 1973 Shaft TV series.
For his performance in the original film, Roundtree was nominated for a New Star of the Year Golden Globe and hailed as the first Black action hero. More importantly, the films made Shaft a cultural hero, a symbol of Black power onscreen, at the box office and beyond.
- 10/25/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
When Is Netflix’s Stamped From The Beginning Coming? Well, in January 2021, Netflix announced a partnership with the famous professor Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. They planned to create two documentaries and an animated series based on Dr. Kendi’s bestselling books.
One of the documentaries, titled “Stamped from the Beginning,” is set to premiere on Netflix in November 2023 after debuting at TIFF 2023.
These projects were initially revealed in early 2021, but Netflix later canceled the animated series in May 2022. Emmy Award-winner Roger Ross Williams, known for works like “The Innocence Files” and “The Apollo,” will direct both documentaries, one of which will be a hybrid-scripted feature.
The projects will be produced by Williams’ production company, One Story Up, and executive produced by Mara Brock Akil, a NAACP Image Award-winner known for shows like “Girlfriends” and “Being Mary Jane.”
Dr. Kendi will also be an executive producer. If you’re curious to...
One of the documentaries, titled “Stamped from the Beginning,” is set to premiere on Netflix in November 2023 after debuting at TIFF 2023.
These projects were initially revealed in early 2021, but Netflix later canceled the animated series in May 2022. Emmy Award-winner Roger Ross Williams, known for works like “The Innocence Files” and “The Apollo,” will direct both documentaries, one of which will be a hybrid-scripted feature.
The projects will be produced by Williams’ production company, One Story Up, and executive produced by Mara Brock Akil, a NAACP Image Award-winner known for shows like “Girlfriends” and “Being Mary Jane.”
Dr. Kendi will also be an executive producer. If you’re curious to...
- 9/14/2023
- by Om Prakash Kaushal
- https://dailyresearchplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/new-sam
When Is The Netflix Hybrid Documentary Movie ‘Stamped From The Beginning’ Coming? Well, in January 2021, Netflix made a significant announcement regarding its partnership with the renowned and sometimes controversial professor, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi.
The streaming giant revealed plans to collaborate with him on two documentaries and an animated series based on his bestselling books.
Among the documentaries was “Stamped from the Beginning,” scheduled for release in 2023.
The ambitious project lineup generated much anticipation and excitement, with Emmy Award-winning director Roger Ross Williams leading the way through his production company, One Story Up.
Williams, known for his remarkable work on projects like “The Innocence Files,” “The Apollo,” “Life, Animated,” and “Music by Prudence,” would be directing both documentaries, one of which would be a hybrid-scripted feature.
Executive producer duties were assigned to NAACP Image Award-winner Mara Brock Akil, celebrated for her work on popular shows such as “Girlfriends,” “The Game,...
The streaming giant revealed plans to collaborate with him on two documentaries and an animated series based on his bestselling books.
Among the documentaries was “Stamped from the Beginning,” scheduled for release in 2023.
The ambitious project lineup generated much anticipation and excitement, with Emmy Award-winning director Roger Ross Williams leading the way through his production company, One Story Up.
Williams, known for his remarkable work on projects like “The Innocence Files,” “The Apollo,” “Life, Animated,” and “Music by Prudence,” would be directing both documentaries, one of which would be a hybrid-scripted feature.
Executive producer duties were assigned to NAACP Image Award-winner Mara Brock Akil, celebrated for her work on popular shows such as “Girlfriends,” “The Game,...
- 7/30/2023
- by Om Prakash Kaushal
- https://dailyresearchplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/new-sam
The Perfect Find was released on 23rd June 2023 on Netflix, and since then fans are excited about the Part 2 of the movie.
Numa Perrier has directed the upcoming American romantic comedy movie ‘The Perfect Find’ which is adapted from the same named book by Tia Williams. Leigh Davenport adapted the screenplay of the movie.
The plot of the film revolves around a woman named Jenna Jones in her forties. After she enters the career of beauty journalism, she finds out that her frenemy Darcy happens to be her boss.
While facing problems due to her frenemy being her boss, Jenna also begins a relationship with Eric who is the son of Darcy and also the videographer of the company.
When is The Perfect Find 2 Releasing? Netflix
The movie was first announced on November 6, 2018, when Gabrielle Union was declared to star in a film adaptation of the novel. On December 16, 2020, Keith Powers...
Numa Perrier has directed the upcoming American romantic comedy movie ‘The Perfect Find’ which is adapted from the same named book by Tia Williams. Leigh Davenport adapted the screenplay of the movie.
The plot of the film revolves around a woman named Jenna Jones in her forties. After she enters the career of beauty journalism, she finds out that her frenemy Darcy happens to be her boss.
While facing problems due to her frenemy being her boss, Jenna also begins a relationship with Eric who is the son of Darcy and also the videographer of the company.
When is The Perfect Find 2 Releasing? Netflix
The movie was first announced on November 6, 2018, when Gabrielle Union was declared to star in a film adaptation of the novel. On December 16, 2020, Keith Powers...
- 7/19/2023
- by Suvechchha Saha
- https://dailyresearchplot.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/new-sam
Boldness defines Numa Perrier’s soapy romantic comedy The Perfect Find. Characters make unbelievable decisions in the name of love. Grand proclamations are yelled from across parks and outside apartment buildings. Everyone’s dressed in the most maximalist attire: loud prints, geometrically striking jewelry, intense hairstyles. It all seems rather unbelievable until you remember the ridiculousness is part of the fun.
Like any good romantic comedy, The Perfect Find constructs a world into which you can escape. Jenna (Gabrielle Union) is a 40-something (the ambiguity of her age is significant to the plot) fashion editor who has spent the last year recovering from a devastating public breakup. Her 10-year relationship with Brian (D.B. Woodside), an equally ambitious careerist, crashed profoundly after Jenna sought clarity about their future. To escape the tabloid frenzy, Jenna moves back in with her parents.
Perrier economically reviews this backstory in the film’s opening credits,...
Like any good romantic comedy, The Perfect Find constructs a world into which you can escape. Jenna (Gabrielle Union) is a 40-something (the ambiguity of her age is significant to the plot) fashion editor who has spent the last year recovering from a devastating public breakup. Her 10-year relationship with Brian (D.B. Woodside), an equally ambitious careerist, crashed profoundly after Jenna sought clarity about their future. To escape the tabloid frenzy, Jenna moves back in with her parents.
Perrier economically reviews this backstory in the film’s opening credits,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels thinks of those who inspired him, Patrik-Ian Polk easily comes to mind.
Known for telling groundbreaking stories centered on Black gay life — including the independent film Punks, which premiered at Sundance in 2000, and Noah’s Arc, which ran on Logo TV for two seasons from 2005-06 — Polk is a creative force who has chronicled (and continues to chronicle) the lives of underrepresented people while championing diversity way before “Dei” became a buzz term.
“[Polk] was way ahead of the curve, and he took the bullets for all of us when it just wasn’t accepted to do what he was doing,” Daniels, 63, says of Polk, 49. “His bravery is what I ran with in my career. I learned from Patrik that I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. When I say he really has inspired me — he’s a mentor.”
Polk has been a bold...
Known for telling groundbreaking stories centered on Black gay life — including the independent film Punks, which premiered at Sundance in 2000, and Noah’s Arc, which ran on Logo TV for two seasons from 2005-06 — Polk is a creative force who has chronicled (and continues to chronicle) the lives of underrepresented people while championing diversity way before “Dei” became a buzz term.
“[Polk] was way ahead of the curve, and he took the bullets for all of us when it just wasn’t accepted to do what he was doing,” Daniels, 63, says of Polk, 49. “His bravery is what I ran with in my career. I learned from Patrik that I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. When I say he really has inspired me — he’s a mentor.”
Polk has been a bold...
- 6/14/2023
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gabrielle Union has booked a potentially murderous new role.
The actress is attached to star in and executive-produce Pretty Little Wife, a cat-and-mouse thriller in development at Prime Video, per The Hollywood Reporter.
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Based on Darby Kane’s novel of the same name, the potential series “enters around two brilliant — and very different — Black women: Lily (Union...
The actress is attached to star in and executive-produce Pretty Little Wife, a cat-and-mouse thriller in development at Prime Video, per The Hollywood Reporter.
More from TVLineDid Love Is Blind Host Overstep? Was Survivor Vote Curious? What's in a Name on The Mandalorian? More Qs!TVLine Items: Twilight TV Series Eyed, Final Happy Valley Trailer and MoreTVLine Items: Galaxy Quest Reboot Status, Love Island Spinoff and More
Based on Darby Kane’s novel of the same name, the potential series “enters around two brilliant — and very different — Black women: Lily (Union...
- 4/24/2023
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Amazon is developing a series version of the Darby Kane novel “Pretty Little Wife” with Gabrielle Union attached to star.
The project is described as “a cat-and-mouse thriller with a pulpy edge and some sexy soap that centers around two brilliant — and very different — Black women: Lily (Union), the pretty little wife suspected of murdering her husband, and Ginny, the detective on the case. Upon entering each other’s lives, they begin to crack open each other’s façade to reveal what really lies beneath.”
Meredith Lavender and Marcie Ulin are co-writing and executive producing along with Kristen SaBerre. Union will executive produce in addition to starring via I’ll Have Another Productions. Barry Jossen and Tana Jamieson of A+E Studios will also executive produce along with Range Media Partners. A+E Studios and Amazon Studios will produce for Amazon’s Prime Video.
Union most recently starred in the third...
The project is described as “a cat-and-mouse thriller with a pulpy edge and some sexy soap that centers around two brilliant — and very different — Black women: Lily (Union), the pretty little wife suspected of murdering her husband, and Ginny, the detective on the case. Upon entering each other’s lives, they begin to crack open each other’s façade to reveal what really lies beneath.”
Meredith Lavender and Marcie Ulin are co-writing and executive producing along with Kristen SaBerre. Union will executive produce in addition to starring via I’ll Have Another Productions. Barry Jossen and Tana Jamieson of A+E Studios will also executive produce along with Range Media Partners. A+E Studios and Amazon Studios will produce for Amazon’s Prime Video.
Union most recently starred in the third...
- 4/24/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
They’re the most disproportionately underrepresented demographic in Hollywood, an industry that makes its headquarters in a county where they comprise the plurality of the population. And even as other systemically marginalized groups make prominent and visible strides in pop culture, Latinos have remained caught in a cycle of development hell, with projects created by and centering them canceled (or permanently shelved) even as they continue to prop up a significant share of the box office as audience members.
“There was an overabundance and then a complete 180 has now happened. The graveyard of Latino shows in the last five years, it has been a decimation,” writer Gloria Calderón Kellett tells The Hollywood Reporter. “In a row One Day at a Time, Vida, Diary of a Future President, Gentefied, all of these shows came out, all of them 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. They didn’t support the shows with marketing. They...
“There was an overabundance and then a complete 180 has now happened. The graveyard of Latino shows in the last five years, it has been a decimation,” writer Gloria Calderón Kellett tells The Hollywood Reporter. “In a row One Day at a Time, Vida, Diary of a Future President, Gentefied, all of these shows came out, all of them 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. They didn’t support the shows with marketing. They...
- 3/14/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Prolific producer and actor DeVon Franklin has set up two new scripted development projects at BET+ under his overall deal with CBS Studios, which is the studio for both.
The first project, Played, is a comedy in which Franklin would star. The second project, Closure, for BET and BET+, is a family drama inspired by the life of baseball Hall-of-Famer Andre Dawson turned funeral home owner. Franklin would executive produce both projects via his Franklin Entertainment.
Written by Devon Shepard (The Ms. Pat Show), in Played, Franklin stars as a TV personality in the comedy which chronicles the trials of a dysfunctional dater.
Here’s the official logline: “What if the life of a dysfunctional dater is punctuated by his conscience being a fully-produced talk show hosted by real-life tv personality and producer DeVon Franklin? Every time our guy is faced with one of life’s many dilemmas, he...
The first project, Played, is a comedy in which Franklin would star. The second project, Closure, for BET and BET+, is a family drama inspired by the life of baseball Hall-of-Famer Andre Dawson turned funeral home owner. Franklin would executive produce both projects via his Franklin Entertainment.
Written by Devon Shepard (The Ms. Pat Show), in Played, Franklin stars as a TV personality in the comedy which chronicles the trials of a dysfunctional dater.
Here’s the official logline: “What if the life of a dysfunctional dater is punctuated by his conscience being a fully-produced talk show hosted by real-life tv personality and producer DeVon Franklin? Every time our guy is faced with one of life’s many dilemmas, he...
- 2/27/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Debra Lee, the former CEO of Black Entertainment Television (BET) Networks, is set to tell her story in a memoir.
Lee will release the book, I Am Debra Lee: A Memoir on March 7, 2023. The memoir will be published by Legacy Lit, an imprint dedicated “to giving voice to issues, authors, and groups that have been marginalized, underserved and underrepresented.”
Lee said in a statement, “This book is not just a memoir, it’s also a guidebook for anyone with a bold vision who wants to strike out on their own unique path to success. I hope that by sharing my journey, readers understand that a person’s success isn’t just defined by the high and low points of someone’s career, and that authenticity, hard work and a clear vision can yield unexpected results. As I look at all my career has helped build,...
Debra Lee, the former CEO of Black Entertainment Television (BET) Networks, is set to tell her story in a memoir.
Lee will release the book, I Am Debra Lee: A Memoir on March 7, 2023. The memoir will be published by Legacy Lit, an imprint dedicated “to giving voice to issues, authors, and groups that have been marginalized, underserved and underrepresented.”
Lee said in a statement, “This book is not just a memoir, it’s also a guidebook for anyone with a bold vision who wants to strike out on their own unique path to success. I hope that by sharing my journey, readers understand that a person’s success isn’t just defined by the high and low points of someone’s career, and that authenticity, hard work and a clear vision can yield unexpected results. As I look at all my career has helped build,...
- 12/13/2022
- by Lexy Perez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It's almost time to return to the wonderful -- but complicated -- world of Ginny & Georgia.
Netflix on Thursday announced the highly anticipated second season of the beloved dramedy will get underway on January 5, 2023.
All ten episodes will be available on that day, so the series will not be adopting the split season strategy some of the other Netflix shows have went with.
"How do you live with the knowledge that your mother is a murderer? That's what Ginny is going to have to figure out," Netflix tells us in the synopsis.
"Burdened with the new understanding that Kenny - her step-dad - didn't die of natural causes, now Ginny must deal with the fact that Georgia not only killed, she killed to protect Ginny."
"Georgia on the other hand would much prefer that the past be left in the past, after all, she's got a wedding to plan!"
"But...
Netflix on Thursday announced the highly anticipated second season of the beloved dramedy will get underway on January 5, 2023.
All ten episodes will be available on that day, so the series will not be adopting the split season strategy some of the other Netflix shows have went with.
"How do you live with the knowledge that your mother is a murderer? That's what Ginny is going to have to figure out," Netflix tells us in the synopsis.
"Burdened with the new understanding that Kenny - her step-dad - didn't die of natural causes, now Ginny must deal with the fact that Georgia not only killed, she killed to protect Ginny."
"Georgia on the other hand would much prefer that the past be left in the past, after all, she's got a wedding to plan!"
"But...
- 12/1/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
The fictional drama is one of the four series Akil is set to produce for the streamer
Mara Brock Akil, the screenwriter behind hit shows like “Girlfriends,” “Being Mary Jane” and “The Game,” has signed on as showrunner and executive producer for a new Netflix series based on the novel “Forever” by author Judy Blume. Netflix announced the news on Thursday in a press release obtained by TheWrap.
The drama series is set to be a modern reimagining of Blume’s 1975 novel “Forever,” which tells the story of two Black teenagers who are navigating a romantic relationship that is centered around being one another’s first intimate partners.
“Judy Blume’s ability to capture the real emotions we experience during the various rites of passage of our youth influenced my life choices and writing voice. I’m honored to reimagine one of my favorite books, ‘Forever,’” said Akil. “I am...
Mara Brock Akil, the screenwriter behind hit shows like “Girlfriends,” “Being Mary Jane” and “The Game,” has signed on as showrunner and executive producer for a new Netflix series based on the novel “Forever” by author Judy Blume. Netflix announced the news on Thursday in a press release obtained by TheWrap.
The drama series is set to be a modern reimagining of Blume’s 1975 novel “Forever,” which tells the story of two Black teenagers who are navigating a romantic relationship that is centered around being one another’s first intimate partners.
“Judy Blume’s ability to capture the real emotions we experience during the various rites of passage of our youth influenced my life choices and writing voice. I’m honored to reimagine one of my favorite books, ‘Forever,’” said Akil. “I am...
- 11/10/2022
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
Judy Blume‘s 1975 novel Forever is being reimagined for a new generation as a Netflix series of the same name. Mara Brock Akil will serve as showrunner and executive producer of the project, her first under her overall deal with the streamer.
The drama series is an epic love story of two Black teens exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts.
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“Judy Blume’s ability to capture the real emotions we experience during the various rites of passage of our youth influenced my life choices and writing voice. I’m honored to reimagine one of my favorite books,...
The drama series is an epic love story of two Black teens exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts.
Related Story George Clooney’s ‘Good Night, And Good Luck’ Series Adaptation Opens Writers’ Room At AMC Related Story Tech & Media Stocks Soar On Slowing Inflation, Dow Ends Session Up 1,200 Points – Update Related Story Chris Rock To Be First Comedian To Perform Live On Netflix
“Judy Blume’s ability to capture the real emotions we experience during the various rites of passage of our youth influenced my life choices and writing voice. I’m honored to reimagine one of my favorite books,...
- 11/10/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: UTA has inked actor-producer-writer Omari Hardwick in all areas.
In film, he most recently starred in Netflix’s Army of the Dead, which debuted as No. 1 on the streamer. He also recently wrapped Fantasy Football, which will premiere on Paramount+ later this year.
Hardwick also completed two highly anticipated Netflix features, including The Mothership opposite Halle Berry, as well as The Mother alongside Jennifer Lopez. Previous feature credits include Spell, American Skin, Nobody’s Fool, Sgt., Will Gardner, Sorry to Bother You and A Boy. A Girl. A Dream, among many others.
On the small screen, Hardwick most recently starred in Netflix’s limited series Pieces of Her opposite Toni Collette. Previously, he starred for six seasons as James “Ghost” St. Patrick as the lead in the critically acclaimed Starz! series, Power, which earned him three consecutive NAACP Image Awards wins for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series. His other...
In film, he most recently starred in Netflix’s Army of the Dead, which debuted as No. 1 on the streamer. He also recently wrapped Fantasy Football, which will premiere on Paramount+ later this year.
Hardwick also completed two highly anticipated Netflix features, including The Mothership opposite Halle Berry, as well as The Mother alongside Jennifer Lopez. Previous feature credits include Spell, American Skin, Nobody’s Fool, Sgt., Will Gardner, Sorry to Bother You and A Boy. A Girl. A Dream, among many others.
On the small screen, Hardwick most recently starred in Netflix’s limited series Pieces of Her opposite Toni Collette. Previously, he starred for six seasons as James “Ghost” St. Patrick as the lead in the critically acclaimed Starz! series, Power, which earned him three consecutive NAACP Image Awards wins for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series. His other...
- 9/19/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Buyers pounce in Italy, France, Benelux, Eastern Europe, South Korea.
Grandave International president Tamara Nagahiro has announced in TIFF a raft of territory sales on thriller Righteous Thieves following the North American deal with Gravitas Ventures.
Deals have closed with Daro for Eastern Europe, Africa, and France, Eagle Pictures for Italy, Premiere TV for Benelux, and Bucket Studios for South Korea.
Anthony Nardolillo (7th & Union) directed the film from a screenplay by Michael Corcoran about the head of a secret organisation who assembles a crew to steal back artwork plundered during the Second World War from a modern-day billionaire Neo-Nazi oligarch.
Grandave International president Tamara Nagahiro has announced in TIFF a raft of territory sales on thriller Righteous Thieves following the North American deal with Gravitas Ventures.
Deals have closed with Daro for Eastern Europe, Africa, and France, Eagle Pictures for Italy, Premiere TV for Benelux, and Bucket Studios for South Korea.
Anthony Nardolillo (7th & Union) directed the film from a screenplay by Michael Corcoran about the head of a secret organisation who assembles a crew to steal back artwork plundered during the Second World War from a modern-day billionaire Neo-Nazi oligarch.
- 9/13/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Burned Over District: "After a fatal car accident causes him to lose his wife. Will is left to pick up the pieces in his new small-town home. The grieving man soon becomes overwhelmed by a dark presence that surrounds him, and he soon discovers that the seemingly quiet town he and his wife fell in love with is hiding a very terrifying dark secret. Now he must find a way to overcome his grief and fight back against the darkness that has consumed the town and its people before it consumes his soul.
The Burned-Over District refers to a large area in Western and Central New York. During the 19th century religious revivals and the formation of new religious movements took place during the Second Great Awakening. During this time evangelical religious fervor swept the country, and found its way to the Burned-Over District via the Erie Canal. From...
The Burned-Over District refers to a large area in Western and Central New York. During the 19th century religious revivals and the formation of new religious movements took place during the Second Great Awakening. During this time evangelical religious fervor swept the country, and found its way to the Burned-Over District via the Erie Canal. From...
- 9/1/2022
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
The only thing hotter than the August sun in Spain is Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union‘s romance. The couple recently jetted off to Mallorca on their annual “Wade World Tour,” and proved their relationship is still thriving in the photos and videos they shared.
Union kicked off the vacation with a serious of steamy photos that show her and the 40-year-old athlete getting handsy on a boat. “It’s begun. #WadeWorldTour2022,” she captioned the post.
Read More: Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Throw Zaya Wade a Camping-Themed 15th Birthday Party!
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion)
The 49-year-old actress didn’t stop there. Throughout their trip, Union and Wade — who have been married since 2014 — documented many boat rides, and even more public displays of affection. While their trip included a spa day, a date night, and much more, it was Union’s post...
Union kicked off the vacation with a serious of steamy photos that show her and the 40-year-old athlete getting handsy on a boat. “It’s begun. #WadeWorldTour2022,” she captioned the post.
Read More: Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Throw Zaya Wade a Camping-Themed 15th Birthday Party!
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion)
The 49-year-old actress didn’t stop there. Throughout their trip, Union and Wade — who have been married since 2014 — documented many boat rides, and even more public displays of affection. While their trip included a spa day, a date night, and much more, it was Union’s post...
- 8/24/2022
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Netflix Canada is open for business, and they don’t need to wait around for their American colleagues to move forward on green lights.
That message was loud and clear on the final day of the Banff World Media Festival, where the streaming service has been at the heart of several tense conversations around the country’s rumbling drive to regulate digital platforms.
While the three Netflix executives on stage Wednesday didn’t directly address the ongoing regulation machinations in the background, what’s abundantly clear is that they’re getting ahead of regulation and pre-emptively moving forward on Canadian originals — before their hand is forced.
The panel featured the team’s newest recruit, Winnipeg native Tara Woodbury, manager for Canadian series; Danielle Woodrow, director of Canadian series; and Peter Friedlander, head of scripted series for the U.S. and Canada, who was moderating the session.
The latter executive, while...
That message was loud and clear on the final day of the Banff World Media Festival, where the streaming service has been at the heart of several tense conversations around the country’s rumbling drive to regulate digital platforms.
While the three Netflix executives on stage Wednesday didn’t directly address the ongoing regulation machinations in the background, what’s abundantly clear is that they’re getting ahead of regulation and pre-emptively moving forward on Canadian originals — before their hand is forced.
The panel featured the team’s newest recruit, Winnipeg native Tara Woodbury, manager for Canadian series; Danielle Woodrow, director of Canadian series; and Peter Friedlander, head of scripted series for the U.S. and Canada, who was moderating the session.
The latter executive, while...
- 6/15/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
After hearing about Robyn’s ex-husband for more than a year, fans of The Equalizer will finally get to meet him on this Sunday’s episode (CBS, 8/7c), titled “Hard Money.”
Run the World‘s Stephen Bishop will guest star as Dr. Miles Fulton, a skilled surgeon who was married to the one-time CIA agent and is also Delilah’s father. Things get complicated when Robyn has to turn to her former spouse for help on a case she’s working on involving two women being hunted by thieves for witnessing a robbery.
More from TVLineHow The Equalizer Wrote Out Bishop,...
Run the World‘s Stephen Bishop will guest star as Dr. Miles Fulton, a skilled surgeon who was married to the one-time CIA agent and is also Delilah’s father. Things get complicated when Robyn has to turn to her former spouse for help on a case she’s working on involving two women being hunted by thieves for witnessing a robbery.
More from TVLineHow The Equalizer Wrote Out Bishop,...
- 4/11/2022
- by Mekeisha Madden Toby
- TVLine.com
Truth Be Told Season 3 is taking shape at Apple TV+.
The hit drama series has confirmed that Gabrielle Union will star opposite Octavia Spencer.
She will play Eva, an outspoken high school principal caught up in a "problematic incident."
Union has a string of hit projects under her belt and is probably most well-known for her highly-praised role as the lead of Being Mary Jane.
Other TV credits include L.A.'s Finest, The Lion Guard, Ugly Betty, City of Angeles, The West Wing, Sister, Sister, and The Proud Family.
Truth Be Told tackles a new case every season, with the first season featuring Aaron Paul and Lizzy Caplan, and the second featuring Kate Hudson.
Based on the novel by Kathleen Barbe, the series revolves around podcaster Poppy Scoville (Spencer) as she “risks everything — including her life — to pursue truth and justice,” per the logline.
In doing so, it offers up a...
The hit drama series has confirmed that Gabrielle Union will star opposite Octavia Spencer.
She will play Eva, an outspoken high school principal caught up in a "problematic incident."
Union has a string of hit projects under her belt and is probably most well-known for her highly-praised role as the lead of Being Mary Jane.
Other TV credits include L.A.'s Finest, The Lion Guard, Ugly Betty, City of Angeles, The West Wing, Sister, Sister, and The Proud Family.
Truth Be Told tackles a new case every season, with the first season featuring Aaron Paul and Lizzy Caplan, and the second featuring Kate Hudson.
Based on the novel by Kathleen Barbe, the series revolves around podcaster Poppy Scoville (Spencer) as she “risks everything — including her life — to pursue truth and justice,” per the logline.
In doing so, it offers up a...
- 3/24/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Apple TV Plus announced that Gabrielle Union will star in Season 3 of the Octavia Spencer-led anthology drama series “Truth Be Told.” Union plays Eva, an outspoken high school principal.
“Truth Be Told” follows Spencer as Poppy Scoville, a true crime podcaster who risks everything — including her life — to pursue the truth. Season 3 sees Poppy focus on Eva’s case as she becomes embroiled in a problematic incident. The series is based on Kathleen Barber’s 2017 novel “Are You Sleeping,” and highlights the American obsession with true crime as well as the consequences that come with seeking justice on a public stage. In Season 1, Poppy investigates Warren Cave (Aaron Paul), who was convicted of murder two decades prior, and in Season 2, she investigates the death of her childhood friend Micah’s (Kate Hudson) husband.
Union is best known for starring in films including “Bring It On,” “Daddy’s Little Girls” and “Think Like A Man,...
“Truth Be Told” follows Spencer as Poppy Scoville, a true crime podcaster who risks everything — including her life — to pursue the truth. Season 3 sees Poppy focus on Eva’s case as she becomes embroiled in a problematic incident. The series is based on Kathleen Barber’s 2017 novel “Are You Sleeping,” and highlights the American obsession with true crime as well as the consequences that come with seeking justice on a public stage. In Season 1, Poppy investigates Warren Cave (Aaron Paul), who was convicted of murder two decades prior, and in Season 2, she investigates the death of her childhood friend Micah’s (Kate Hudson) husband.
Union is best known for starring in films including “Bring It On,” “Daddy’s Little Girls” and “Think Like A Man,...
- 3/23/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Gabrielle Union is bringing her legendary talents to Truth Be Told.
The actress is set to star opposite Octavia Spencer in Season 3 of the Apple TV+ series, TVLine has learned. She will play Eva, an outspoken high school principal who becomes entangled in a “problematic incident.”
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Union previously...
The actress is set to star opposite Octavia Spencer in Season 3 of the Apple TV+ series, TVLine has learned. She will play Eva, an outspoken high school principal who becomes entangled in a “problematic incident.”
More from TVLineNicole Kidman Eats Photographs, Merritt Wever Dates a Duck in Apple's Roar -- Watch the Very Weird TrailerThe Last Days of Ptolemy Grey's Dominique Fishback Breaks Down Her Mission to Honor Black Teen GirlsSquid Game's Hoyeon Joins Alfonso Cuarón's Apple TV+ Thriller, Opposite Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline
Union previously...
- 3/23/2022
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Gabrielle Union is set as a lead alongside Octavia Spencer in the third season of the anthology drama series Truth Be Told.
Descending into the world of true-crime podcasts, Truth Be Told stars Spencer as podcaster ‘Poppy Scoville,’ who risks everything—including her life—to pursue truth and justice. Based on the novel by Kathleen Barber, the series provides a unique glimpse into America’s obsession with true crime podcasts and challenges its viewers to consider the consequences when the pursuit of justice is placed on a public stage.
The upcoming season will see Poppy Scoville focus on a new case with Union starring as Eva, an outspoken high school principal who becomes embroiled in a problematic incident.
With Spencer’s Poppy as the thread through the anthology series and a core cast around Spencer also staying on, each season tells a...
Descending into the world of true-crime podcasts, Truth Be Told stars Spencer as podcaster ‘Poppy Scoville,’ who risks everything—including her life—to pursue truth and justice. Based on the novel by Kathleen Barber, the series provides a unique glimpse into America’s obsession with true crime podcasts and challenges its viewers to consider the consequences when the pursuit of justice is placed on a public stage.
The upcoming season will see Poppy Scoville focus on a new case with Union starring as Eva, an outspoken high school principal who becomes embroiled in a problematic incident.
With Spencer’s Poppy as the thread through the anthology series and a core cast around Spencer also staying on, each season tells a...
- 3/23/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The “Gotham Knights” pilot at The CW has added three new cast members, Variety has learned.
Olivia Rose Keegan, Navia Robinson, and Oscar Morgan have all joined the pilot. Variety exclusively reported earlier this week that Fallon Smythe and Tyler Dichiara are also set to star.
Based on characters created for DC by Bob Kane with Bill Finger, the one-hour drama takes place in in the wake of Bruce Wayne’s murder. His rebellious adopted son forges an unlikely alliance with the children of Batman’s enemies when they are all framed for killing the Caped Crusader. And as the city’s most wanted criminals, this renegade band of misfits must fight to clear their names. But in a Gotham with no Dark Knight to protect it, the city descends into the most dangerous it’s ever been. However, hope comes from the most unexpected of places as this team...
Olivia Rose Keegan, Navia Robinson, and Oscar Morgan have all joined the pilot. Variety exclusively reported earlier this week that Fallon Smythe and Tyler Dichiara are also set to star.
Based on characters created for DC by Bob Kane with Bill Finger, the one-hour drama takes place in in the wake of Bruce Wayne’s murder. His rebellious adopted son forges an unlikely alliance with the children of Batman’s enemies when they are all framed for killing the Caped Crusader. And as the city’s most wanted criminals, this renegade band of misfits must fight to clear their names. But in a Gotham with no Dark Knight to protect it, the city descends into the most dangerous it’s ever been. However, hope comes from the most unexpected of places as this team...
- 3/9/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Tyler Perry Studios has tapped Tony Strickland to join the studio team as EVP of studio production and operations.
Strickland will report directly to Tyler Perry Studios (Tps) COO Robert A. Boyd II on the studio operation side of the business, with a focus on studio infrastructure and services. Strickland will also oversee production and finance for Tps’ development division.
In this role, Strickland will also work as a show producer alongside newly appointed president of original programming Angi Bones on selected projects, including “House of Payne” and “Assisted Living”, the upcoming second season of “All The Queens Men” and “Ruthless,” which is currently airing its second season on BET Plus.
Strickland most recently served as co-executive producer and head of unscripted for Swirl Films, where he led efforts in unscripted, alternative programming and specials with his 17 years of experience in the industry. Prior to his tenure at Swirl Films,...
Strickland will report directly to Tyler Perry Studios (Tps) COO Robert A. Boyd II on the studio operation side of the business, with a focus on studio infrastructure and services. Strickland will also oversee production and finance for Tps’ development division.
In this role, Strickland will also work as a show producer alongside newly appointed president of original programming Angi Bones on selected projects, including “House of Payne” and “Assisted Living”, the upcoming second season of “All The Queens Men” and “Ruthless,” which is currently airing its second season on BET Plus.
Strickland most recently served as co-executive producer and head of unscripted for Swirl Films, where he led efforts in unscripted, alternative programming and specials with his 17 years of experience in the industry. Prior to his tenure at Swirl Films,...
- 1/25/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Michael Ealy (Stumptown), Thadeus J. Mixson (Safety) and newcomer Aderinsola Olabode are set as series regulars and Pauletta Washington (Genius: Aretha) and Sean Patrick Thomas (The Tragedy Of Macbeth) have been tapped for key recurring roles opposite Emayatzy Corinealdi in Disney’s Onyx Collective series Reasonable Doubt to stream on Hulu. The legal drama hails from writer/executive producer Raamla Mohamed (Scandal); executive producer Kerry Washington, who will direct the first episode; and ABC Signature.
In Reasonable Doubt, you’ll judge Jax Stewart (Corinealdi) for her questionable ethics and wild interpretations of the law… until you’re the one in trouble. Then you’ll see her for what she is: the most brilliant and fearless defense attorney in Los Angeles who bucks the justice system at every chance she gets.
Ealy will play Damon. Giving Og prison bae vibes, Damon isn’t someone you should look at too long unless...
In Reasonable Doubt, you’ll judge Jax Stewart (Corinealdi) for her questionable ethics and wild interpretations of the law… until you’re the one in trouble. Then you’ll see her for what she is: the most brilliant and fearless defense attorney in Los Angeles who bucks the justice system at every chance she gets.
Ealy will play Damon. Giving Og prison bae vibes, Damon isn’t someone you should look at too long unless...
- 12/14/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Michael Ealy is set as a lead opposite Kristen Bell and Tom Riley in Netflix’s eight-episode limited series The Woman in the House, from Gloria Sanchez Productions. The series is expected to premiere in early 2022.
Created by Rachel Ramras, Hugh Davidson and Larry Dorf, who also serve as co-showrunners, The Woman In The House centers around heartbroken Anna (Bell), for whom every day is the same. She sits with her wine, staring out the window, watching life go by without her. But when a handsome neighbor (Riley) and his adorable daughter (Samsara Yett) move in across the street, Anna starts to see a light at the end of the tunnel. That is until she witnesses a gruesome murder… Or did she?
Ealy will play Douglas, Anna’s ex-husband. Bookish and pragmatic, he still has love for Anna but their past keeps them from imagining a future together.
Created by Rachel Ramras, Hugh Davidson and Larry Dorf, who also serve as co-showrunners, The Woman In The House centers around heartbroken Anna (Bell), for whom every day is the same. She sits with her wine, staring out the window, watching life go by without her. But when a handsome neighbor (Riley) and his adorable daughter (Samsara Yett) move in across the street, Anna starts to see a light at the end of the tunnel. That is until she witnesses a gruesome murder… Or did she?
Ealy will play Douglas, Anna’s ex-husband. Bookish and pragmatic, he still has love for Anna but their past keeps them from imagining a future together.
- 11/10/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
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