Universal Pictures is gearing up for a high-profile thriller that has already assembled a powerhouse cast: Lynn Whitfield, Chloe Bailey, Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop, Romy Woods, and Coco Jones are all set to lead the yet-to-be-titled film, directed by The Best Man and Girls Trip helmer Malcolm D. Lee.
Plot details are still tightly under wraps, but with Lee at the helm, expectations are already high. The film is written by Alan McElroy and Matthew Mixon and produced by an impressive team including Jordan Peele’s longtime collaborator Ian Cooper (on behalf of Monkeypaw), Lee himself via Blackmaled Productions, Jason Blum for Blumhouse, Tim Palen, and Dominique Telson. Executive producers include Shaun Sutton, Philip Waley, and McElroy. The project is a joint effort from Peachtree & Vine, Blumhouse, and Blackmaled Productions.
This marks Lee’s return to feature filmmaking following the success of his acclaimed Peacock limited series The Best Man: The Final Chapters. That series made history as the streamer’s first original to crack Nielsen’s Top 10. And Lee isn’t slowing down anytime soon—he’s also gearing up to release The Best Man: Unfinished Business book, which will expand the beloved film franchise into a new literary chapter.
The book, from Storehouse Voices, officially drops July 1 and is now available for preorder. It picks up right where The Best Man: The Final Chapters left off, and dives headfirst into the mess, magic, and midlife mayhem of our fictional friend group. And according to the press release, expect unconventional parenthood, mid-life crises, and yep, a second shot at love.
Meet the Cast
Chloe Bailey continues to shine both musically and on screen. After launching her solo career with the hit “Have Mercy” and debut album In Pieces, she earned accolades for her performance in Praise This (which nabbed her an NAACP Image Award) and in Donald Glover’s Swarm. She’s also known for her role on Grown-ish.
Lucien Laviscount broke through as the charming Alfie in Emily in Paris, quickly becoming a global fan favorite. He’ll reprise his role in the show’s fourth season and recently wrapped filming People We Meet on Vacation, based on the bestselling novel by Emily Henry.
Lynn Whitfield, a legend in her own right, is known for her Emmy-winning performance as Josephine Baker in HBO’s The Josephine Baker Story, her unforgettable role as Lady Mae in Greenleaf, and appearances in films like Eve’s Bayou, Madea’s Family Reunion, and Vacation Friends.
Anna Diop gained attention for her performance in Nanny, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2022. She also starred in Us, The Book of Clarence, and the Titans series on HBO Max, where she portrayed the fierce and complex Starfire.
Coco Jones, who continues to rise after her breakout role as Hilary Banks in Bel-Air, adds another major credit to her growing resume. Her music career is also on the rise, recently winning her first GRAMMY Award for Best R&B Performance.
Romy Woods rounds out the cast, adding a fresh face to an ensemble filled with power and promise.
While we wait for more details, one thing’s clear: this thriller has all the right ingredients—an elite cast, a visionary director, and a production team with a proven track record. Stay tuned.