Hollywood Melanin

Tyler Perry’s ‘Sistas’ and ‘The Oval’ Renewed by BET

Published

3 years ago

May 15, 2020

BET has officially renewed its highest rated scripted series of 2019. The Oval and Sistas are part of Tyler Perry‘s multi-year content partnership agreement with ViacomCBS, BET’s parent company.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Tyler Perry and for the renewals of our two Wednesday night programming staples, The Oval and Sistas,” BET president Scott Mills shared in a statement. “BET is committed to investing in quality programming from top industry power players and giving viewers more of the content they love and expect from the brand across our platforms.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Perry has already announced a target date to resume production on both shows – July 8. The cast and crew will be reside at the studio during filming and tested for COVED-19 upon their arrival and several times throughout production. If all goes well, with Georgia’s stay-at-home order lifted on April 30, the shows will be the first scripted TV series to resume production in the United States after nationwide TV production shut down due to coronavirus.

Written, directed and executive produced by Perry, Sistas (starring KJ Smith, Mignon Von, Ebony Obsidian, and Novi Brown) follows a group of single black women as they navigate the ups-and-downs of modern life. The Oval (starring Kron Moore, Ed Quinn, Paige Hurd) tells the story of the Franklin family placed in the White House by people of power.

Perry also currently produces two other shows for BET+, The Oval spinoff Ruthless and the comedy Bruh.

Film & Television

‘Coming 2 America’: All-Star Cast To Return For The Sequel

Published

4 years ago

August 15, 2019

HM staff writer

It’s official! Multiple sources confirmed that the original cast of Coming To America including Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley, John Amos, James Earl Jones, Paul Bates, and Vanessa Bell Calloway is reuniting for the sequel!

The 1988 original story follows Akeem (Murphy) as he travels from Africa to New York, in hopes to find his queen. In the sequel, Akeem is set to become king but learns about his long-lost son LaVelle residing in Queens. Honoring his father’s wish Akeem sets off to find possibly the future ruler of Zamunda.

All original cast members will reprise their roles in the sequel – Murphy as Akeem, soon-to-be-king of Zamunda, and Hall as his best friend Semmi. Hadley will return as Lisa McDowell with John Amos playing her father Cleo McDowell. Jones will once again play King Jaffe Joffer and Bates his loyal servant Oha. Vanessa Bell Calloway is set to reprise her role as Imani Izzi.

Also joining the cast are Wesley Snipes as general Izzi, Jermaine Fowler (Sorry To Bother You) as Akeem’s long lost son LaVelle, KiKi Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk) as Akeem’s daughter, Leslie Jones (SNL), comedian Luenel and Rapper Rick Ross.

Black-ish creator Kenya Barris is writing the script. Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) is directing.

Coming 2 America will open on Dec. 18, 2020.

Film & Television

“Gemini Man” Trailer: Will Smith Faces Off With Younger Version of Himself

Published

4 years ago

July 25, 2019

HM staff writer

The full-length trailer for Ang Lee‘s upcoming action-thriller Gemini Man, starring two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith is here and it’s packed with action!

In the clip, Henry Brogan (Smith), an elite assassin, suddenly becomes a target of a mysterious young operative (de-aged Smith). Brogan later discovers – the adversary is his 23-year-old clone Junior, who was sent by a former colleague (played by Clive Owen) with one mission – eliminate the older Smith.

“This movie is a leap of faith,” Lee told EW, “The story has been around 20, 25 years, but technology wouldn’t allow the story to be told. I wanted to be the first one to do this…No matter how hard you imagine it is, it is still harder.”

Gemini Man also stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead (10 Cloverfield Lane) and Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange). Game of Thrones co-creator David Benioff wrote the script with Billy Ray and Darren Lemke. Producers are Jerry Bruckheimer, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger.

The movie opens on October 11. You can watch the full trailer above.

Film & Television

Will Smith Battles His Younger Self In the Newly Released Trailer For “Gemini Man”

Published

4 years ago

July 25, 2019

HM staff writer

Paramount Pictures released the second trailer for Ang Lee's new film Gemini Man, starring Will Smith.

In the upcoming action thriller, which Lee directed, Smith plays Henry Brogan, an elite assassin facing off a young operative, who somehow can predict his every move. Later Brogan discovers that his enemy is Junior, his the 23-year-old clone (played by Smith using de-aging digital technology).

Gemini Man also stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead (10 Cloverfield Lane), Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange), and Clive Owen.

The movie will hit theaters on October 11. Watch the full trailer below.