It’s been thirty years since Spike Lee’s theatrical debut, She’s Gotta Have It, hit theaters. The young Morehouse graduate made films before, but this movie about an outspoken 20-something woman in Brooklyn, exploring sexuality, career and the power of choice made for a monumentally progressive film.
Now, the story will be retold with Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It Netflix original series— due Nov 23.
Starring in the lead character as Nola Darling will be DeWanda Wise (Shots Fired, Underground), who’s excited to bring modern-day breath to the once controversial character.
“There have been a number of communal responses to our fight for civil liberties in the last few years, ‘Black Boy Joy,’ and ‘Carefree Black Girl’ among them,” Wise told ESSENCE.
“We’re not actually carefree of course, it’s simply emblematic of our determination to seek out love and joy in the midst of the vitriol thrown our way. I responded to this incarnation of Nola because she not only personifies the Carefree Black Girl, but we witness her struggle to retain it and nurture it. Through her lovers. Through her art. I think it’s such an important component of who we are, and I feel honored to add to the lexicon.”
Viewers will once again be introduced to her three lovers: The Cultured Model, Greer Childs (Cleo Anthony); The Protective Investment Banker, Jamie Overstreet (Lyriq Bent); and Da Original B-Boy Sneakerhead, Mars Blackmon (Anthony Ramos).
Spike Lee directs all ten episodes of the series and Tonya Lewis Lee is executive producer. Barry Michael Cooper and Lynn Nottage are also producers on the show.
Every woman felt the scene where that random man on the street followed Nola, cat called incessantly, then forcefully grabbed her arm when she didn’t reciprocate. This move sparked Nola’s anti street harassment posters and inspired by real life artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh.
David Lee/Netflix
Spike Lee’s hit film will premiere in November on Netflix as a 10-episode series. With the director behind the helm once again, you can be sure this will be a must-watch.
