The ensemble for Carolyn continues to grow.
Independent filmmaker DeAndre Little has expanded the cast of his upcoming Royal K Network Original biographical drama, adding Marcus T. Paulk, Dorien Wilson, and Lettrice Lawrence to the project. The trio joins Abby Burkholder, who leads the film as Carolyn Franklin. Rickie Taylor directs, with Little serving as writer, producer, and executive producer.
Marcus T. Paulk will portray Cecil Franklin. Dorien Wilson joins as Reverend C.L. Franklin, the influential pastor and patriarch whose leadership shaped the musical environment that nurtured his children. Lettrice Lawrence has been cast as Erma Franklin, the eldest Franklin sister and an accomplished vocalist in her own right.
Spanning the 1940s through the late 1980s, Carolyn traces Franklin’s evolution from her early musical foundations to her emergence as a deeply expressive artist whose voice and pen quietly shaped generations.
Rather than leaning into spectacle, the film is envisioned as a character-driven biographical drama rooted in emotional truth and historical integrity. Music functions as an emotional throughline — supporting the narrative with intimacy and reverence rather than grand performance moments.
Though Carolyn Franklin is often referenced primarily as the sister of Aretha Franklin, this film intentionally shifts the lens.
Rather than positioning her in the shadow of greatness, Carolyn places her fully at the center — exploring the emotional and professional complexities of navigating faith, family loyalty, industry politics, and personal sacrifice during a pivotal era in Black music.
Across her decades-long career, Carolyn released five studio albums through RCA Records:
- Baby Dynamite (1969)
- Chain Reaction (1970)
- The First Time I Cried (1970)
- I’d Rather Be Lonely (1973)
- If You Want Me (1976)
Her recordings were marked by emotional restraint, spiritual depth, and interpretive sophistication — qualities that distinguished her during a transformative period for soul and gospel music.
Beyond her own catalog, Carolyn’s influence reached even further. She penned “Ain’t No Way” and “Angel,” two of the most emotionally resonant songs recorded by Aretha Franklin. “Ain’t No Way” earned a Grammy and remains a defining testament to Carolyn’s lyrical brilliance and emotional intelligence.
Currently in pre-production, Carolyn is slated to begin principal photography in February 2026 under DJL Concept Creations LLC. Developed as a Royal K Network Original, the film aims to restore visibility to an artist whose contributions have long been underrecognized — offering a nuanced portrait of legacy, identity, and influence.