Malcolm D. Lee Attached to Direct and Executive Produce the Adaptation of the Bestselling Novel
Bestselling author Kennedy Ryan is officially expanding her storytelling empire from page to screen.
Ryan has inked a first-look deal with Universal Studio Group, where she will develop and produce television projects across a variety of platforms under her Scribe Chick Media banner. The partnership also includes creating original intellectual property for the studio, as well as adapting existing works—both her own and those from other authors—with a focus on stories that reflect underrepresented communities.
The first project under the deal is already in motion. Ryan’s acclaimed novel Before I Let Go is being developed as a series at Peacock. Ryan will co-write and executive produce the adaptation.
Malcolm D. Lee is set to direct and executive produce under his Blackmaled Productions banner. The project hails from Universal Content Productions (UCP) and Universal Television.
Originally the first book in Ryan’s “Skyland” series, Before I Let Go follows Yasmen and Josiah Wade, a recently separated couple navigating the complexities of co-parenting and running a business together after their marriage ends. As both begin exploring new relationships, unresolved feelings resurface, forcing them to confront whether their love story is truly over—or if there’s still something worth fighting for.
The series also boasts an impressive producing team. John Legend will executive produce alongside Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius through Get Lifted Film Co., with Debra Martin Chase and Dominique Telson also serving as executive producers.
Ryan’s growing influence in the literary world makes this deal especially notable. In addition to the “Skyland” series, she is the author of several celebrated novels including The Kingmaker, Long Shot, and Reel. She made history at the Audie Awards as the first Black author to win in the romance category and continues to be recognized for her emotionally rich, culturally grounded storytelling.
With Before I Let Go leading the charge, Ryan’s partnership with Universal Studio Group signals a meaningful step forward in bringing more nuanced, Black-centered love stories to television—stories that audiences have long been ready to see.
Originally read on Variety.