People are finding their own ways to fight back in Trump’s America. Whether through donating money or sharing their time, the effort is no different in Hollywood. Studios, actors, and writers are developing projects that tell unheard stories, shed light on racial injustice and inequality, and show how real people overcame numerous struggles.
There are a ton of things in the works that we can’t wait to find out more about, but here are just eight of of the films and TV projects currently being developed that every activist and potential activist must see.
Currently being developed and co-written by Rice’s mother, Samaria, the film will tell the story of the 12-year-old’s brief life. Rice was murdered in 2014 after he was shot twice by police while playing with a toy gun.
An authorized version of Angela Davis’ story is in the works with Sidra Smith and Forest Whitaker attached as producer and executive producer, respectively. Wonder if Halle Berry will finally get to play the iconic activist?
Two Harriet Tubman biopics are being developed. Harriet will star Broadway superstar Cynthia Erivo, while another untitled biopic will star Viola Davis.
James and Spencer have teamed up to bring Madam C.J. Walker’s story to television. James’ SpringHill Entertainment is set to produce with Spencer attached. Netflix is rumored to be interested in picking up the project.
Arthur Ashe biopic, Ashe, is currently in the works. The project was announced earlier this year, but not much else has been revealed. Ashe was a three-time Grand Slam title winner and the first Black tennis player selected to the United States Davis Cup team.
It was recently announced that AMC is developing a Black Lives Matter-inspired series based on the best-selling book from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Wesley Lowery, They Can’t Kill Us All: Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in America’s Racial Justice. Writer LaToya Morgan is attached with plans for the series to reflect current events and issues of racial injustice through fictional characters.
Amandla Stenberg is currently filming The Hate U Give, a film based on Angela Thomas’ best-selling novel of the same name. The film explores issues of race and injustice after the main character witnesses the shooting of her childhood best friend. Issa Rae and Anthony Mackie are also attached.
