Hot off the critical success ofWill SmithandVenusandSerena Williams’sKing Richard, directorReinaldo Marcus Greenhas set up his next film at Lionsgate,per Deadline. Green will also write and produce the film, which has been categorized as a dramedy by the studio.Aaron Edmonds(True American) andChisom Udeare also producing the project on behalf of Lionsgate.
A brief synopsis was revealed for the untitled film, which depicts “a young man facing mounting school loans who moves in with his Puerto Rican mother, who he didn’t grow up with. What begins as a way to save money becomes a life-changing education about his parents, love, and himself.” This sounds very much in the wheelhouse for Green, who has made a name for himself telling personal, familial stories with projects likeKing RichardandJoe Bell, which starredMark Wahlberg.
Nathan Kahane, the President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, had the following to say about what will be Green’s first film for the studio:
“We’re huge fans of Rei’s - he’s a huge reason why ‘King Richard’ is such an awards season favorite. His incredible talent lets him tap into untold stories that celebrate cultures and traditions along with a universal humanity that runs through us all. We responded to this story immediately and we could not be more excited to be working with one of the premier rising voices in filmmaking today.”
Related:Director Reinaldo Marcus Green on ‘King Richard,’ His Bob Marley Biopic, and Working with David Simon on ‘We Own this City’
A “universal humanity” is an excellent way to describe the films of Green, whose work truly resonates with audiences of different backgrounds on varying levels. His films also are deeply informative on the topics they cover, particularly with the true stories behindJoe BellandKing Richard.Joe Belltells of a father (Wahlberg) bonding with his son (Jadin Bell), who identifies as gay and is ridiculed in school for it.King Richardshows the true hardships and sacrifices not just of the Williams sisters, but also of their father. These are stories that truly do transcend cultures and upbringings.
This is just one project on the horizon for Green, as he also was announced as the director ofWe Own This Cityfor HBO. The miniseries, slated to premiere in April, depicts the story of the corruption that surrounded the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force.Jon Bernthal,Wunmi Mosaku,Jamie Hector, andJosh Charlesall star as part of an ensemble cast. HBO mainstaysDavid SimonandGeorge Pelecanos(The Wire,The Deuce) are the creators of the program. Green is also hard at work alongsideZiggy Marleyon a biopic of the latter’s father,Bob Marley.
