From Oakland to Espionage: Imani Pullum Leads Spy Drama ‘Classified’ [TRAILER]

Prime Video is set to drop the thrilling coming-of-age spy series ‘Classified’ on August 22, 2024. Created by Kagiso Lediga, the series follows rebellious teen Ella (Imani Pullum) as she’s uprooted from her home in California into the opulent world of Johannesburg, South Africa, where spying is just one of her new realities.

Per the official synopsis, Classified “follows 15-year-old Ella, a student at a public school in Oakland, California. Gifted with a flowing tongue, Ella is a weaver of yarns. A skateboarder with a skillful street style, she is a firebrand—defiant and rebellious in nature. Arrested at a protest and facing serious jail time, Ella avoids incarceration thanks to her stepmother, Dianne, who has connections in high places. As part of the deal, Ella must leave her home in California and spend the remainder of her secondary education with her father and Dianne in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ella’s world is turned upside down as she navigates a very different reality than the one she has known.”

Watch the trailer below.

‘Classified’ marks Imani Pullum’s breakout role, following her appearance in Apple TV+’s ‘Emancipation.’ It also stars Christine Horne as Dianne, Sule Rimi as Gabe, Paballo Koza as Lolo, Mila Rayne as Gwyn, Neels Clasen as Wynand, and more.

Lediga, known for his work on Netflix’s “Queen Sono,” wears multiple hats on “Classified,” serving as creator, showrunner, lead director, and writer. Tebogo Malope and Karabo Lediga also serve as directors. Karabo Lediga, Camilo Saloojee, Meja Shoba, Christopher Steenkamp, and Nomawonga Khumalo round out the writing staff.

The project is produced by Skybound Galactic and Diprente and executive produced by Kagiso Lediga, Diprente’s Tamsin Andersson, Skybound’s Robert Kirkman, David Alpert, and Rick Jacobs. Sean and Bryan Furst will also executive produce. Spycraft Entertainment, a global production company run by former senior intelligence officers, co-produces and consults on the series. Sony Pictures Television is handling international distribution outside of the U.S. and Africa.

The series is coming to Prime Video and Amazon Freevee in the U.S. after a successful run on Netflix in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.