Iconic R&B group Boyz II Men, known for their smooth harmonies and timeless hits, are bringing their story to the screen. The group announced plans for a feature film biopic that will trace their 30-year career, from their chart-topping debut to their legendary status today. Alongside the film, a long-form documentary is also set to be produced, delving into Boyz II Men’s influence on music, the heights of their success in the ’90s and early 2000s, and their lasting impact on R&B.
Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris—who have all remained committed to Boyz II Men since its inception—will executive produce both the biopic and documentary. They’ve partnered with Compelling Pictures and Primary Wave to ensure that their story is told in full. Nathan Morris shared in a recent statement, “We’ve been waiting to find the right partners who understand our story and are willing to tell it all.” The band trusts that Denis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri from Compelling Pictures, both of whom are self-described longtime fans, will capture their journey authentically.
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The biopic, which is still in the early stages of development, is already drawing interest from writers and directors. The producers are aiming to showcase both the highs and the hurdles that Boyz II Men faced on their path to stardom. O’Sullivan and Kalligheri expressed their excitement, saying, “We’re honored to bring their unique and untold story to the big screen. Their brotherhood and resilience have inspired millions, and we hope audiences will sing along to this celebration of friendships and artistic partnerships.”
The group originally began as a quartet: Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, Wanya Morris, and Michael McCary. The four met as students at Philadelphia’s High School for Creative and Performing Arts in the late 1980s, forming Boyz II Men as a vocal harmony group influenced by classic Motown sounds and contemporary R&B. They caught their first big break when they snuck backstage at a Bell Biv DeVoe concert and sang for Michael Bivins, who was so impressed that he helped them secure a record deal. Their debut album, Cooleyhighharmony, dropped in 1991 and quickly topped the charts, setting the stage for their meteoric rise.
Throughout the ’90s, Boyz II Men was a dominant force, becoming known for their mix of heartfelt ballads and uptempo grooves. With their unique blend of vocal harmonies and pop sensibility, they found widespread success, earning Grammy Awards and breaking records. At one point, Boyz II Men held the record for the longest-running No. 1 hit with “End of the Road,” a feat they would surpass with “One Sweet Day,” their duet with Mariah Carey, which held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for an astonishing 16 weeks.
However, in the early 2000s, internal challenges began to reshape the group. McCary departed due to health complications related to scoliosis, leaving Boyz II Men as a trio. While they were no longer four voices, Nathan, Shawn, and Wanya continued, building on their legacy by adapting their sound and performance style as a trio.
Since their debut album Cooleyhighharmony in 1991, Boyz II Men have set records in the music industry, selling over 60 million albums worldwide. Their ballads like “End of the Road,” “On Bended Knee,” and the Mariah Carey duet “One Sweet Day” topped charts for weeks, while hits like “Motownphilly” brought infectious energy to the mainstream. Just last year, Boyz II Men packed the Hollywood Bowl for a sold-out three-night engagement—coming full circle, as they first performed there as opening acts decades ago.
Primary Wave’s Larry Mestel, who will also produce, praised Boyz II Men’s cultural influence: “They transcend genre and format. We’re thrilled to be a part of reintroducing their legacy to new generations.” Joe Mulvihill, the group’s longtime manager, added that the film and documentary will offer an inside look at the struggles and triumphs behind the music, something that fans may not expect. “After more than 20 years with them, I’ve seen all the highs and lows,” said Mulvihill. “This project will give people a true sense of their journey.”
With a catalog that defined an era and a story of friendship, resilience, and cultural impact, Boyz II Men’s upcoming biopic and documentary will honor a legacy that shaped R&B and popular music. As the group continues to tour and reach new audiences, this project promises a unique look at how Boyz II Men became not just chart-toppers, but a voice for multiple generations, standing as one of the most successful and enduring R&B acts in history.
Originally read on Variety.