Tika Sumpter is set to co-write and star in an upcoming romantic comedy for Amazon MGM Studios, directed by Tyler Perry. The film, currently under the working title Sisters in Italy, marks another collaboration between Sumpter and Perry, following their previous work on films like A Madea Christmas and the TV series The Haves and the Have Nots.
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The story revolves around two estranged sisters who, following the death of their mother, travel to Italy only to discover that she owned a bed and breakfast nestled in the scenic countryside. Faced with the decision of what to do with the property, the sisters receive a series of posthumous tasks from their mother, designed to repair their fractured relationship and teach them the importance of living life to the fullest. Sumpter drew from her own experiences as the youngest child in her family to shape the film’s exploration of sibling dynamics.
Perry will direct the project, which is the last film under his four-picture deal with Amazon, first announced in fall 2022. Sumpter co-wrote the script with Kemiyondo Coutinho (P-Valley), who also serves as an executive producer. The film is produced by Perry through Tyler Perry Studios, along with Sumpter, Angi Bones, Tony Strickland, and Will Areu.
Joining Sumpter in the cast are Bresha Webb (Run the World), EGOT winner Whoopi Goldberg (The Color Purple), Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters), Godfrey (Regular Black), Giulio Berruti (Downhill), Edmond Laryea (The Blacklist), Sarayu Blue (Expats), and Justin Chatwin (Reagan).
Sumpter, known for her role as a young Michelle Obama in Southside with You, has built an impressive resume with standout performances in the Sonic the Hedgehog films, Ride Along, and Think Like a Man, among others. Her television work includes roles in Mixed-ish and Gossip Girl.
Tyler Perry’s collaboration with Amazon has already produced films like Divorce in the Black, Black, White, & Blue, and Joy Ridge. Additionally, his WWII drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on December 6, followed by its Netflix debut on December 20.
This upcoming project is poised to further highlight Perry and Sumpter’s creative synergy, while delving into themes of family, legacy, and sisterhood.
Both Sumpter and Perry are represented by leading agencies, with Sumpter being repped by UTA and Brookside Artist Management, and Perry by WME and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.