Congrats are in order! Regina King has signed a multi-year first-look deal with Netflix, the streaming giant announced Wednesday. Through the agreement, her production company, Royal Ties, will produce original films and series for Netflix. Her sister, Reina King, will oversee production for the outfit.
“I am beyond thrilled to join the Netflix family,” the Oscar winner said in a statement about the partnership. “They are at the top of their game and as an artist I am so excited to come play in this wonderful sandbox they have created for storytellers.”
That sandbox includes Netflix’s commitment to offering strong Black leads. The company has a tasked a group of internal stakeholders with ensuring that their approach to creating, developing, promoting and celebrating Black content in an “intentional and specific” fashion that speaks to the culture.
King joins fellow storytellers Shonda Rhimes and Kenya Barris in the company’s ranks. The venture will also allow her a platform to prioritize gender equality in the hiring process for her projects as she vowed to hire 50% women on projects she produces.
“I challenge…anyone out there who is in a position of power—not just in our industry, in all industries—I challenge you to challenge yourself and stand with us,” she said back in January when accepting the Golden Globe Award for If Beale Street Could Talk.
A tremendously talented actress who swept awards season this year, King began balancing her craft with directing and producing long before she became a household name.
