Loretta’s comedic timing and dramatic reach is the right balance to play the rock of the Evans’s family. –Cori Murray, ESSENCE Entertainment Director
Terry Crews can play funny with a straight face. He’s had great practice in his other roles as the dad. He could easily pull off James as a strong yet humble regular family man. -Akkida McDowell, ESSENCE Deputy Research Editor
Brandon T. Jackson would be the perfect picture of silliness with a touch of delusional sexy and that sheepish smile. This guy may skew a lil’ older but Jimmie Walker was 27(!) when he donned JJ’s hat. Brandon Jackson is a natural cut-up who could strike that pose, flash that sheepish smile, utter “Chello” and “Kid Dy-no-mite” flawlessly. -Akkida McDowell, ESSENCE Deputy Research Editor
Thelma had sass, brains, attitude and an abundance of beauty! Everything that a modern-day woman on a mission would have. Tika Sumpter’s acting ability and star appeal would make her the best fit for Thelma. We’d love to see her bring it! –Derrick Taylor, ESSENCE.com Associate Editor
There’s something so earnest about the Everybody Hates Chris alum—it’s easy to picture him talking politics and raising the Black Power fist. -Dawnie Walton, ESSENCE.com Managing Editor
Vivica could totally nail Willona’s stylish and sassy sistergirl thing down. Vivica channeling Janet DuBois could tell somebody off like nobody’s business with two snaps! —Akkida McDowell, Deputy Research Editor
A dash of her cute mixed with her attention-grabbing presence makes Wallis the perfect stand-in for the always adorable Penny Woods of Good Times. —Charlene Cooper, ESSENCE.com Intern
The broad characters Kenan Thompson plays on Saturday Night Live make him a perfect candidate to play the larger-than-life “Buffalo Butt.” -Dawnie Walton, ESSENCE.com Managing Editor
