Stay in the loop on industry and casting news with our write-up on who’s been slated for recent film and television roles!
“Wu-Tang: An American Saga”
Hulu is taking on the world of hip-hop. Its new series, “Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” will trace the origins of the highly influential Wu-Tang Clan. The true story will travel back to New York in the early ’90s at the height of the crack epidemic. Bobby Diggs (aka group member the RZA, as well as series co-creator and executive producer) sets out to change the lives of a dozen black men by replacing their penchant for crime with one for music. In the end, his efforts reward him with one of the most legendary hip-hop groups of all time. Hulu has already stacked up 10 episodes for the biographical series, which has locked in most of the group members for behind-the-scenes roles. Jessica Daniels Casting is on board to cast the project, but no actors have been announced yet. Cameras are projected to start rolling in February 2019, primarily in New York City.
“The Glorias: A Life on the Road”
Gloria Steinem has been a warrior for women’s rights for well over 40 years, and Hollywood is taking her story to the big screen. The biopic will be based on Steinem’s memoir, “My Life on the Road,” which shares events and encounters that shaped the feminist icon while she championed equality across the United States. The cast for the film is shaping up with the help of Telsey + Company, which has attached Julianne Moore and Alicia Vikander, both of whom will play Steinem at different stages in her life. Bette Midler is also in talks to appear in the film as civil rights activist and women’s rights leader Bella Abzug. Julie Taymor will step in to direct the Savannah, Georgia–based project, which looks to begin filming in January 2019.
“Queen & Slim”
First dates are rarely noteworthy, but sometimes one can turn into a life-changing night. When a couple out on their first date is pulled over by a police officer, things go awry and they end up fighting for their lives. After killing the cop in self-defense, they go on the run, afraid of how the situation will be perceived. The crime thriller, cast by Carmen Cuba, directed by Melina Matsoukas, and written by Lena Waithe (based on an idea and treatment by James Frey), has already locked down Daniel Kaluuya to play the role of Slim. Additional casting announcements have yet to be made, but production on the film is pushing forward with a start date in late January 2019. Louisiana will host the shoot.
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