Focus Features is set to release Kobi Libii’s debut feature film, “The American Society of Magical Negroes,” on March 22, 2024.
The satirical comedy stars Justice Smith, David Alan Grier, Aisha Hinds, An-Li Bogan, Drew Tarver, Michaela Watkins, Rupert Friend, and Nicole Byer. The film follows the story of Aren, an idealistic young black man who’s recruited by veteran agent Roger into the American Society of Magical Negroes. Aren finds that working for the Society, an ancient, secret, and magical organization dedicated to making white people’s lives easier, is the most challenging and unexpected journey of his life.
Libii, known for his roles in Comedy Central’s “The Opposition with Jordan Klepper,” is a writer, director, and actor. He’s also an alumnus of Sundance Screenwriters Lab and Directors Lab, developed the project during these programs.
Julia Lebedev and Eddie Vaisman of Sight Unseen, along with Angel Lopez and Kobi Libii, serve as producers for the film.
Focus Features plans a theatrical release in the U.S. on March 22nd, with Universal Pictures International handling international distribution. The movie faces competition from Lionsgate’s “Arthur the King” on the same release date.
Other projects in Focus Features’ lineup include Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers,” Zelda Williams’ directorial debut “Lisa Frankenstein,” written by Diablo Cody, and Ethan Coen’s “Drive-Away Dolls” starring Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Colman Domingo.