Anthony Hemingway has boarded the Netflix series adaptation of the Judy Blume novel “Forever” to direct multiple episodes, Variety has learned exclusively.
The series stars Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. and hails from creator Mara Brock Akil. The official logline states the 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, set in Los Angeles, 2018.”
Hemingway will direct four episodes in total — the second and third as well as the seventh and eighth episodes, specifically. He will also now serve as an executive producer on the series. It was previously announced that Regina King would be directing the pilot and executive producing the series as well.
Hemingway is one of the most sought-after directors in television today. His recent credits include helming episodes of “Genius: Aretha,” the pilot of “Power Book II: Ghost,...
The series stars Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. and hails from creator Mara Brock Akil. The official logline states the 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, set in Los Angeles, 2018.”
Hemingway will direct four episodes in total — the second and third as well as the seventh and eighth episodes, specifically. He will also now serve as an executive producer on the series. It was previously announced that Regina King would be directing the pilot and executive producing the series as well.
Hemingway is one of the most sought-after directors in television today. His recent credits include helming episodes of “Genius: Aretha,” the pilot of “Power Book II: Ghost,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix has rounded out the cast for Forever, adding Xosha Roquemore (Captain America) and Marvin Lawrence Winans III (Abbott Elementary) as series regulars opposite Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone in the upcoming drama series from Girlfriends and Being Mary Jane creator Mara Brock Akil. Additionally, five have been cast in recurring roles. They are Barry Shabaka Henley (A Star is Born), Ali Gallo (Unhuman), Niles Fitch (This is Us), Paigion Walker (All American) and E’myri Crutchfield (Fargo). In addition to Simone and Cooper, they join previously announced Wood Harris and Karen Pittman.
L-r: Barry Shabaka Henley, Ali Gallo, Niles Fitch, Paigion Walker & E’myri Crutchfield
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...
L-r: Barry Shabaka Henley, Ali Gallo, Niles Fitch, Paigion Walker & E’myri Crutchfield
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...
- 4/5/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
My guest this week is Karen Pittman. She’s hit the headlines lately for her reported departure from the Max show And Just Like That…, and in this episode of 20 Questions on Deadline she explains why she won’t be back for Season 3.
Leaving the show was, Pittman said, purely due to a scheduling issue with her new upcoming Netflix series Forever and work on Season 4 of Apple TV+ series The Morning Show.
“There’s a lot of things that went into making that decision. In a perfect world I would have been able to come back and do it. We don’t live in a perfect world… I wish the girls good luck for Season 3. I’m going to be cheering them on. But I was disappointed that Nya wasn’t coming back, but I hope that she lives in the imagination of the audience, still walking around New York City.
Leaving the show was, Pittman said, purely due to a scheduling issue with her new upcoming Netflix series Forever and work on Season 4 of Apple TV+ series The Morning Show.
“There’s a lot of things that went into making that decision. In a perfect world I would have been able to come back and do it. We don’t live in a perfect world… I wish the girls good luck for Season 3. I’m going to be cheering them on. But I was disappointed that Nya wasn’t coming back, but I hope that she lives in the imagination of the audience, still walking around New York City.
- 4/4/2024
- by Antonia Blyth
- Deadline Film + TV
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
“And Just Like That” and The Morning Show” star Karen Pittman is adding to her stacked TV slate by joining Mara Brock Akil’s “Forever” alongside “The Wire” alum and “Creed” franchise stalwart Wood Harris.
Brock Akil’s highly-anticipated adaptation of Judy Blum’s 1975 Judy Blume novel “Forever” was originally ordered at Netflix in 2022 under the “Girlfriends” creator’s overall deal.
Last month, Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. were announced to star in the series, described as “an epic love story of two Black teens (Keisha and Justin) exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts, set in Los Angeles, 2018.”
Pittman and Harris play Justin’s parents Dawn and Eric, who are navigating parenting during a time of heightened awareness around the lack of safety for Black boys in America.
Pittman‘s Dawn is a college-educated, top executive in corporate finance with...
Brock Akil’s highly-anticipated adaptation of Judy Blum’s 1975 Judy Blume novel “Forever” was originally ordered at Netflix in 2022 under the “Girlfriends” creator’s overall deal.
Last month, Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. were announced to star in the series, described as “an epic love story of two Black teens (Keisha and Justin) exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts, set in Los Angeles, 2018.”
Pittman and Harris play Justin’s parents Dawn and Eric, who are navigating parenting during a time of heightened awareness around the lack of safety for Black boys in America.
Pittman‘s Dawn is a college-educated, top executive in corporate finance with...
- 3/7/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
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
Forever has its stars. Netflix has announced the cast for its upcoming teen drama from Mara Brock Akil (The Game) which is based on the 1975 Judy Blume novel of the same name. Brock Akil will serve as showrunner and Regina King will direct the first episode.
Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. will star as a pair of teens who fall in love and share each other’s firsts.
Read More…...
Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. will star as a pair of teens who fall in love and share each other’s firsts.
Read More…...
- 2/19/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
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
Mara Brock Akil’s Netflix series adaptation of the 1975 Judy Blume novel “Forever” has found its two series leads, Variety has learned.
Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. are set to star in the series, which was originally ordered at Netflix back in 2022. In addition, Regina King has boarded the series as an executive producer and will direct the first episode.
The official logline states the 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, set in Los Angeles, 2018.”
Simone will star as as Keisha Clark, described as “a young confident, smart, and fiery track star with clear dreams for life after high school.” Cooper will play Justin Edwards, “a young man who is a nerd at heart disguised in an athlete’s body. Justin dreams of playing D1 basketball and achieving more than his successful parents.
Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. are set to star in the series, which was originally ordered at Netflix back in 2022. In addition, Regina King has boarded the series as an executive producer and will direct the first episode.
The official logline states the 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, set in Los Angeles, 2018.”
Simone will star as as Keisha Clark, described as “a young confident, smart, and fiery track star with clear dreams for life after high school.” Cooper will play Justin Edwards, “a young man who is a nerd at heart disguised in an athlete’s body. Justin dreams of playing D1 basketball and achieving more than his successful parents.
- 2/15/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The Season 2 premiere of “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” has officially dropped, and some of the events that took place might have viewers wondering if they actually happened or not.
In the second season of “Winning Time,” greater risks are taken, big games are played and Paul Westhead (Jason Segel) rocks a new hairstyle. But did the show change up some of the real-life events they depicted in the show? These types of shows always take some creative liberties. But don’t worry, we made sure to lay out all the facts so you don’t have to. Don’t even think about opening up a Google search, it’s all here.
Here are all the facts and the fiction from Episode 1 of “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” Season 2.
Boston Celtics fans actually rocked the Lakers bus?
Yes, but it wasn’t after Game one.
In the second season of “Winning Time,” greater risks are taken, big games are played and Paul Westhead (Jason Segel) rocks a new hairstyle. But did the show change up some of the real-life events they depicted in the show? These types of shows always take some creative liberties. But don’t worry, we made sure to lay out all the facts so you don’t have to. Don’t even think about opening up a Google search, it’s all here.
Here are all the facts and the fiction from Episode 1 of “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” Season 2.
Boston Celtics fans actually rocked the Lakers bus?
Yes, but it wasn’t after Game one.
- 8/7/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
Stars: Odessa A’zion, Michael Cooper Jr., Lizze Broadway, Dermot Mulroney, Mary Buss, Kenneisha Thompson, Ryan Francis | Written by Kevin Bachar | Directed by Jerren Lauder
The Inhabitant opens with a series of title cards, some over photos of the victims, telling the viewer the story of Lizzy Borden and allegations of possession and a family curse that seems to persist to the present day passed down among her female descendants.
Tara is stressed out. Her boyfriend Carl is planning on attending college at Stanford. Even worse, her home life is a mess, something not even her best friend Suzy can help her deal with. She’s had past issues with depression which has her parents Ben and Emily concerned. That’s not entirely her fault though, she has a newborn brother, and her mother’s sister Diane was committed to an institution for smothering a newborn and burying the body, and...
The Inhabitant opens with a series of title cards, some over photos of the victims, telling the viewer the story of Lizzy Borden and allegations of possession and a family curse that seems to persist to the present day passed down among her female descendants.
Tara is stressed out. Her boyfriend Carl is planning on attending college at Stanford. Even worse, her home life is a mess, something not even her best friend Suzy can help her deal with. She’s had past issues with depression which has her parents Ben and Emily concerned. That’s not entirely her fault though, she has a newborn brother, and her mother’s sister Diane was committed to an institution for smothering a newborn and burying the body, and...
- 8/4/2023
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
On the Come Up follows the story of 16-year-old Bri who dreams of becoming one the greatest rappers ever. It becomes more than a dream when she has no choice but to succeed to help her family avoid eviction.
Michael Cooper, who plays Malik, and Miles Gutierrez-Riley, who plays Sonny, recently sat down for a conversation with uInterview founder Erik Meers to discuss starring opposite icons like Mike Epps and Method Man as young actors.
“Everyone approached it with such humility,” Gutierrez-Riley said. “Everyone is so gracious. Everyone had a real appreciation for the actual crafts of both acting and storytelling. It was so easy to learn from them because they were so supportive. You also felt challenged because you had to rise to the occasion to match the legacy of these incredibly talented actors and musicians. It was a cool opportunity as a young actor.”
“Definitely working with some...
Michael Cooper, who plays Malik, and Miles Gutierrez-Riley, who plays Sonny, recently sat down for a conversation with uInterview founder Erik Meers to discuss starring opposite icons like Mike Epps and Method Man as young actors.
“Everyone approached it with such humility,” Gutierrez-Riley said. “Everyone is so gracious. Everyone had a real appreciation for the actual crafts of both acting and storytelling. It was so easy to learn from them because they were so supportive. You also felt challenged because you had to rise to the occasion to match the legacy of these incredibly talented actors and musicians. It was a cool opportunity as a young actor.”
“Definitely working with some...
- 10/4/2022
- by Rose Carter
- Uinterview
"You can't hide from an evil that lives within." Lionsgate has revealed an official trailer for a psychological horror thriller titled The Inhabitant, from filmmaker Jerren Lauder. This is actually a weird re-imagining of the classic axe murderer Lizzie Borden story – but about one of her descendants, a young woman named Tara. As Tara begins to hear voices and have paranoid visions of butchering her family, people in her small town are attacked and killed — and all evidence points to her. Of course. Can she confront the past and her own family history to find out the truth and stop more bloodshed? The film stars Dermot Mulroney, Leslie Bibb, Odessa A'zion, Lizze Broadway, Ryan Francis, and Michael Cooper Jr. Unfortunately this looks pretty bad - no wonder they're dumping it on VOD in a few weeks. Doesn't look worth your time. ›››
View the Post: Leslie Bibb & Dermot Mulroney in 'The...
View the Post: Leslie Bibb & Dermot Mulroney in 'The...
- 9/27/2022
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Actress Sanaa Lathan makes her directorial debut with the teen drama “On the Come Up,” centering on teenager Brianna ‘Bri’ Jackson (Jamila C. Gray), who is striving to make her mark as a rapper, initially through rap battles. Because her father, Lawless Jackson, is a legend who not only won battles but also got to record prior to being killed, Bri has huge shoes to fill.
Making it as a rapper is not Bri’s primary challenge, however. When her mother Jay (Lathan), a recovering drug addict, loses her job, the family faces even greater financial pressure. To help make ends meet, Bri is already selling candy, but that stops when she is frighteningly manhandled by school security, bringing a racial-justice story into the fold. Her family’s need for money makes her even more determined to achieve success.
While rap-battling offers her that opportunity, the potential an even bigger...
Making it as a rapper is not Bri’s primary challenge, however. When her mother Jay (Lathan), a recovering drug addict, loses her job, the family faces even greater financial pressure. To help make ends meet, Bri is already selling candy, but that stops when she is frighteningly manhandled by school security, bringing a racial-justice story into the fold. Her family’s need for money makes her even more determined to achieve success.
While rap-battling offers her that opportunity, the potential an even bigger...
- 9/23/2022
- by Ronda Racha Penrice
- The Wrap
Paramount+ launch in US, Canada, Italy, with further international markets to follow,
Buoyed by the strong reception at TIFF for Sanaa Lathan’s feature directorial debut On The Come Up, Paramount has set a limited theatrical release to go day-and-date with the streaming debut on Paramount+ on September 23.
The drama will open across the top 50 US markets while the platform launch will take place in the US, Canada and Italy, with further international markets to follow later this year, Paramount announced on Monday (September 12).
On The Come Up premiered in Toronto on September 8 and is based on the novel by...
Buoyed by the strong reception at TIFF for Sanaa Lathan’s feature directorial debut On The Come Up, Paramount has set a limited theatrical release to go day-and-date with the streaming debut on Paramount+ on September 23.
The drama will open across the top 50 US markets while the platform launch will take place in the US, Canada and Italy, with further international markets to follow later this year, Paramount announced on Monday (September 12).
On The Come Up premiered in Toronto on September 8 and is based on the novel by...
- 9/12/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Thanks to a successful launch at the Toronto International Film Festival, the Sanaa Lathan-directed movie “On the Come Up” has nabbed a day-and-date theatrical release from Paramount.
Initially set to launch exclusively on Paramount+ on Friday, Sept. 23, the studio announced Monday that the film will now also be released in limited theaters across the top 50 market.
The movie marks the feature directorial debut from Lathan, who pulls double duty on the project, co-starring in the film as Jayda “Jay” Jackson, mother to the story’s central character Bri.
Based on the best-selling 2019 YA novel by Angie Thomas (“The Hate U Give”), “On the Come Up” follows Bri, a talented 16-year-old high school student who dreams of making it big in the world of battle rap, with aims to lift up her family and honor the legacy of her father — a local hip-hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence.
Initially set to launch exclusively on Paramount+ on Friday, Sept. 23, the studio announced Monday that the film will now also be released in limited theaters across the top 50 market.
The movie marks the feature directorial debut from Lathan, who pulls double duty on the project, co-starring in the film as Jayda “Jay” Jackson, mother to the story’s central character Bri.
Based on the best-selling 2019 YA novel by Angie Thomas (“The Hate U Give”), “On the Come Up” follows Bri, a talented 16-year-old high school student who dreams of making it big in the world of battle rap, with aims to lift up her family and honor the legacy of her father — a local hip-hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence.
- 9/12/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Updated: In the wake of Sanaa Lathan’s world premiere of On the Come Up here at TIFF, the pic is getting a limited theatrical release in the top 50 markets nationally in sync with its Friday, Sept. 23 Paramount+ drop date. Previews start on Thursday, Sept. 22.
Said Paramount Pictures President of Domestic Distribution Chris Aronson, “We’re thrilled to share this incredible adaptation of Angie Thomas’s moving novel with audiences everywhere, across multiple platforms. Seeing Sanaa Lathan’s visionary direction and watching the remarkably talented Jamila C. Gray and the rest of the cast light up the screen, viewers will see what we already know: that this is an exceptional film, not to be missed. A heartfelt thanks to our partners at State Street and Temple Hill. We can’t wait to share On the Come Up with the world on September 23.”
Deadline film critic Valerie Complex exclaimed about On...
Said Paramount Pictures President of Domestic Distribution Chris Aronson, “We’re thrilled to share this incredible adaptation of Angie Thomas’s moving novel with audiences everywhere, across multiple platforms. Seeing Sanaa Lathan’s visionary direction and watching the remarkably talented Jamila C. Gray and the rest of the cast light up the screen, viewers will see what we already know: that this is an exceptional film, not to be missed. A heartfelt thanks to our partners at State Street and Temple Hill. We can’t wait to share On the Come Up with the world on September 23.”
Deadline film critic Valerie Complex exclaimed about On...
- 9/12/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s fitting that Emmy-nominated actress Sanaa Lathan is making her feature directorial debut with a drama about the power of legacy. The veteran performer is the child of both another actress (Eleanor McCoy) and another filmmaker (Stan Lathan). She is likely well-acquainted with the pressures and pleasures of having great things expected of her because of her name and lineage. She doesn’t need to worry, because
Based on the best-selling YA novel by Angie Thomas, “On the Come Up” follows a rising rap star intent on making a name for herself while honoring her late father. “On the Come Up” embraces its fairy-tale feeling early on, opening with a title card that tells us it’s set “somewhere in America,” before zooming in on the fictional, mostly Black community of Garden Heights. But this fairy tale doesn’t have a happy start, as we meet young Bri (played...
Based on the best-selling YA novel by Angie Thomas, “On the Come Up” follows a rising rap star intent on making a name for herself while honoring her late father. “On the Come Up” embraces its fairy-tale feeling early on, opening with a title card that tells us it’s set “somewhere in America,” before zooming in on the fictional, mostly Black community of Garden Heights. But this fairy tale doesn’t have a happy start, as we meet young Bri (played...
- 9/11/2022
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
IndieWire celebrated “On the Come Up,” the directorial debut of “Love and Basketball” icon Sanaa Lathan, on Friday, September 9 at the Toronto International Film Festival. The dinner, presented by Canada Goose and held at Vela in downtown Toronto, brought out the cast, crew, and friends of this coming-of-age story about 16-year-old Bri (Jamila Gray) who takes the battle rap scene by storm in the fictional Garden Heights.
Lathan’s film is based on the novel by “The Hate U Give” author Angie Thomas, who attended the event along with Lathan, Gray, and fellow cast members Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, and Michael Cooper Jr., plus musicians Rapsody and Lady London.
“The process of making a movie is a constant unfolding. It was a two-year process. I got ready with my collaborators. I had a very clear vision. I was very lucky to surround myself with people who just wanted to fulfill that and uplift it,...
Lathan’s film is based on the novel by “The Hate U Give” author Angie Thomas, who attended the event along with Lathan, Gray, and fellow cast members Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, and Michael Cooper Jr., plus musicians Rapsody and Lady London.
“The process of making a movie is a constant unfolding. It was a two-year process. I got ready with my collaborators. I had a very clear vision. I was very lucky to surround myself with people who just wanted to fulfill that and uplift it,...
- 9/10/2022
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
There has been no shortage of hip-hop star-is-born narratives hitting screens in recent years, but much like hip-hop itself for most of its history, there hasn’t always been a whole lot of space for women. Sanaa Lathan’s “On the Come Up,” which tracks a teenage girl’s complicated rise through the battle rap circuit to the even more complicated heights of viral stardom, provides a welcome exception to this rule, but fortunately it has a lot more going for it than just that. As frank and tough-minded and as it is warm and sweet, “On the Come Up” is a hugely promising debut from the actor-turned-director.
Sixteen-year-old Bri (Jamila C. Gray) is already a talented rapper when we first meet her in her fictitious neighborhood of Garden Heights, and she’s already been through a whole lifetime’s worth of upheaval. Her father was a legendary local Mc named Lawless,...
Sixteen-year-old Bri (Jamila C. Gray) is already a talented rapper when we first meet her in her fictitious neighborhood of Garden Heights, and she’s already been through a whole lifetime’s worth of upheaval. Her father was a legendary local Mc named Lawless,...
- 9/9/2022
- by Andrew Barker
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Somewhere in Garden Heights, the fictional American town at the center of On the Come Up, is an imposing mural of Lawless, one of the community’s biggest rappers. His daughter Bri Jackson (Jamila C. Gray), who goes by the moniker Lil’ Law, makes frequent visits to this vibrant portrait when she needs guidance. It’s a meditative exercise, a way to refocus. Bri is determined to become one of the greatest rappers to come out of the Heights — just like her dad.
On the Come Up, Sanaa Lathan’s cool, confident directorial debut, chronicles the 16-year-old’s journey to becoming a star and honoring her dead father’s legacy. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be released by Paramount+ on September 23, is based on Angie Thomas’ novel of the same name. Thomas, whose debut novel The Hate U Give...
Somewhere in Garden Heights, the fictional American town at the center of On the Come Up, is an imposing mural of Lawless, one of the community’s biggest rappers. His daughter Bri Jackson (Jamila C. Gray), who goes by the moniker Lil’ Law, makes frequent visits to this vibrant portrait when she needs guidance. It’s a meditative exercise, a way to refocus. Bri is determined to become one of the greatest rappers to come out of the Heights — just like her dad.
On the Come Up, Sanaa Lathan’s cool, confident directorial debut, chronicles the 16-year-old’s journey to becoming a star and honoring her dead father’s legacy. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be released by Paramount+ on September 23, is based on Angie Thomas’ novel of the same name. Thomas, whose debut novel The Hate U Give...
- 9/9/2022
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sanaa Lathan is about to make her directorial debut with “On the Come Up,” which is scheduled to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival next month. And thanks to a trailer, which debuted during Sunday night’s Video Musical Awards on MTV, we’ve got our first look at the film which will exclusively play on exclusively arrive on Paramount+ on Friday, Sept. 23 in the U.S., Canada, Italy, and later in the year in additional international territories.
Based on a young adult novel by Angie Thomas, who also wrote “The Hate U Give,” “On the Come Up” stars newcomer Jamila C. Gray as “Bri, a 16-year-old gifted rapper, who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence.
Based on a young adult novel by Angie Thomas, who also wrote “The Hate U Give,” “On the Come Up” stars newcomer Jamila C. Gray as “Bri, a 16-year-old gifted rapper, who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence.
- 8/29/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
An aspiring rapper chases her dream in the new trailer for Sanaa Lathan’s directorial debut, On the Come Up, set to arrive on Paramount+ Sept. 23.
The film — based on Angie Thomas’ novel of the same name — stars Jamila C. Gray as Bri, a 16-year-old eager to make it in music so she can help her mother — a former addict struggling to hold a job — and keep alive the legacy of her late father, a legendary local Mc killed by gang violence. The new trailer largely follows Bri as she...
The film — based on Angie Thomas’ novel of the same name — stars Jamila C. Gray as Bri, a 16-year-old eager to make it in music so she can help her mother — a former addict struggling to hold a job — and keep alive the legacy of her late father, a legendary local Mc killed by gang violence. The new trailer largely follows Bri as she...
- 8/29/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Paramount+ has released the trailer for their upcoming original film On the Come Up during the 2022 MTV VMAs.
The movie based on the New York Times’ #1 best-selling novel by Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give), On the Come Up is the feature directorial debut of Emmy-nominated actress Sanaa Lathan and will also hold its World Premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.
On the Come Up will premiere on the streaming service starting on Friday, September 23 in the U.S., Canada, Italy, and later in the year in additional international territories.
Starring newcomer Jamila C. Gray, On the Come Up is the story of Bri, a 16-year-old gifted rapper, who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence. But when...
The movie based on the New York Times’ #1 best-selling novel by Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give), On the Come Up is the feature directorial debut of Emmy-nominated actress Sanaa Lathan and will also hold its World Premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.
On the Come Up will premiere on the streaming service starting on Friday, September 23 in the U.S., Canada, Italy, and later in the year in additional international territories.
Starring newcomer Jamila C. Gray, On the Come Up is the story of Bri, a 16-year-old gifted rapper, who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence. But when...
- 8/29/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount+ has announced that Emmy-nominated Shots Fired actress Sanaa Lathan’s feature directorial debut On the Come Up, from Paramount Pictures’ Players Label, will premiere exclusively on the service in the U.S., Canada and Italy on September 23, expanding into additional international territories later this year.
On the Come Up is based on the New York Times #1 bestselling novel of the same name by The Hate U Give‘s Angie Thomas. Newcomer Jamila C. Gray stars as Bri, a gifted 16-year-old rapper, who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence. When her first hit song goes viral for all the wrong reasons,...
On the Come Up is based on the New York Times #1 bestselling novel of the same name by The Hate U Give‘s Angie Thomas. Newcomer Jamila C. Gray stars as Bri, a gifted 16-year-old rapper, who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence. When her first hit song goes viral for all the wrong reasons,...
- 7/27/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“On the Come Up,” the directorial debut of Emmy-nominee Sanaa Lathan, will debut exclusively on Paramount+ in September shortly following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
“On the Come Up” is based on the New York Times #1 best-selling novel by Angie Thomas (“The Hate U Give”). It is scheduled to premiere on Paramount+ Sept. 23 in the U.S., Canada and Italy and will be available in additional international territories later in the year.
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Uzo Aduba, Aunjanue Ellis and Sanaa Lathan to Star in ‘The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat’
The film stars newcomer Jamila C. Gray as Bri, a 16 year old and gifted rapper who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – himself a local hip hop legend whose life was cut short by gang violence. But...
“On the Come Up” is based on the New York Times #1 best-selling novel by Angie Thomas (“The Hate U Give”). It is scheduled to premiere on Paramount+ Sept. 23 in the U.S., Canada and Italy and will be available in additional international territories later in the year.
Also Read:
Uzo Aduba, Aunjanue Ellis and Sanaa Lathan to Star in ‘The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat’
The film stars newcomer Jamila C. Gray as Bri, a 16 year old and gifted rapper who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – himself a local hip hop legend whose life was cut short by gang violence. But...
- 7/27/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
The film is based on the novel by Angie Thomas about a 16 year-old rapper.
Sanaa Lathan’s On The Come Up will make its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.
The film is based on the novel by Angie Thomas about a gifted 16-year-old rapper who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm to help her family.
It stars Jamila C. Gray, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Lil Yachty, Mike Epps, Method Man, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Justin Martin, Titus Makin, Michael Cooper Jr. and GaTa.
The project is produced by Paramount Pictures’ Paramount Players label.
Lathan is best known...
Sanaa Lathan’s On The Come Up will make its world premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.
The film is based on the novel by Angie Thomas about a gifted 16-year-old rapper who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm to help her family.
It stars Jamila C. Gray, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Lil Yachty, Mike Epps, Method Man, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Justin Martin, Titus Makin, Michael Cooper Jr. and GaTa.
The project is produced by Paramount Pictures’ Paramount Players label.
Lathan is best known...
- 7/13/2022
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Click here to read the full article.
Sanaa Lathan’s directorial feature debut On the Come Up is set to receive a world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September.
The Paramount Players adaptation of Angie Thomas’ novel On the Come Up, about an ambitious 16-year-old rapper, stars Jamila C. Gray, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Lil Yachty and Mike Epps. The ensemble cast includes Lathan and Method Man, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Justin Martin, Titus Makin, Michael Cooper Jr. and GaTa.
On the Come Up, adapted by screenwriter Kay Oyegun, follows Bri, a gifted rapper attempting to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father, a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence.
But when her first hit song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, she finds herself torn between the...
Sanaa Lathan’s directorial feature debut On the Come Up is set to receive a world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September.
The Paramount Players adaptation of Angie Thomas’ novel On the Come Up, about an ambitious 16-year-old rapper, stars Jamila C. Gray, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Lil Yachty and Mike Epps. The ensemble cast includes Lathan and Method Man, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Justin Martin, Titus Makin, Michael Cooper Jr. and GaTa.
On the Come Up, adapted by screenwriter Kay Oyegun, follows Bri, a gifted rapper attempting to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father, a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence.
But when her first hit song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, she finds herself torn between the...
- 7/13/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The feature adaptation of Angie Thomas’ bestseller On the Come Up is making its world premiere at the 47th Toronto Film Festival.
The pic reps the feature directorial debut from Sanaa Lathan, who received her first Emmy nomination for Succession yesterday in the Guest Actress Drama Series category. Lathan plays Lisa Arthur on the HBO show, which notched 25 Emmy noms, the most for any TV series this year.
Deadline first told you about Lathan directing On the Come Up. The pic follows Bri, a 16-year-old gifted rapper, who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence. But when her first hit song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, she finds herself torn between the authenticity that got her this...
The pic reps the feature directorial debut from Sanaa Lathan, who received her first Emmy nomination for Succession yesterday in the Guest Actress Drama Series category. Lathan plays Lisa Arthur on the HBO show, which notched 25 Emmy noms, the most for any TV series this year.
Deadline first told you about Lathan directing On the Come Up. The pic follows Bri, a 16-year-old gifted rapper, who attempts to take the battle rap scene by storm in order to lift up her family and do right by the legacy of her father – a local hip hop legend whose career was cut short by gang violence. But when her first hit song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, she finds herself torn between the authenticity that got her this...
- 7/13/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
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