Complied by Shonassee Shaver, Contributing WriterMarch 17, 2016
Reel Talk 3.17.16
RACE star Stephan James cast alongside Sanaa Lathan in FOX series ‘Shots Fired’
Canadian actor Stephan James will star opposite of Sanaa Lathan in a new FOX series ‘Shots Fired,’ co-written and directed by Beyond The Lights director Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood, playing on current social themes, the series will examine the aftermath of racially charged shootings in Tennessee, according to IndieWire.com. “The drama stars Lathan as an expert investigator who digs into the cases, alongside a special prosecutor (James) sent to the town by the Department of Justice. The pair must navigate the media attention, public debate and the social unrest that comes with such volatile cases, as they seek justice before the divided town erupts.” James made his debut on screen in Ava Duvernay’s historical drama Selma as civil rights activist John Lewis in 2014. He was recently cast as track and field sprinter Jesse Owens in the biopic Race which premiered February 19.
The multitalented Sherri Shepherd readies new projects: ‘Match Made In Heaven’ and ‘The Trail’
Comedian, actress, and television co-host, Sherri Shepherd is keeping her career going with new projects, ‘Match Made In Heaven’ second season on WEtv, a show based on The Bachelor. As the executive producer and host, Shepherd is passionate about the show, stating, “I’ve been very vocal about the lack of color on The Bachelor, so I’ve partnered up with a show called ‘Match Made In Heaven.’ We’ve gotten a really good guy from Atlanta, who has a strong faith in God. We’ve got some really wonderful women – a lawyer, a publicist, a model, a woman who owns two spas. It’s non-ratchet. I love the fact that we have a pastor on the show. He prays with all of the women before the elimination to let them know that ‘denial of you is not God saying no,” she told ebony.com. Despite her legal bouts in her personal life, the former View co-host returned to the ABC talk show as a lead contributor this season. She plays Anita Eubanks, a resident medical examiner on the returning season of Rosewood alongside Morris Chestnut and appears in a comedy pilot ‘The Trail’ with John Lithgow on NBC.
Zendaya scores a lead role in ‘Spider-Man’ Reboot
The K.C. Undercover actress has reportedly scored a lead in the upcoming ‘Spider-Man’ reboot. Aside from being a fixture on the red carpet and her new single “Something New” featuring Chris Brown which samples “Creep” by TLC,” Zendaya, will join the franchise as Michelle with actor Tom Holland Peter Parker a.ka. Spider-Man. According to Deadline.com’s Mike Fleming Jr., she’s among a number of actresses “who’ve quietly been testing for roles.” The reboot will be directed by Jon Watts and produced by Amy Pascal and Kevin Feige, released on July 7, 2017.
Terrence J stars in Leading Role in Romantic Comedy ‘The Perfect Match’
Former E! News and 106 & Park co-anchor Terrence J is trading in his hosting gigs for his latest role in romantic comedy ‘The Perfect Match.’ He stars in his first leading role as Charlie, a playboy who’s convinced that relationships are dead even though his sister (Paula Patton), a therapist, tries to tell him otherwise. His best friends played by Donald Faison and Robert C. Riley, bet him that if he sticks to one woman for one month, he’s bound to fall in love. Charlie denies this until he crosses paths with the beautiful and mysterious Eva, played by singer and actress Cassie Ventura. They may agree to a casual affair, but eventually Charlie is questioning whether he may actually want more. This is his first project as a Producer, The Perfect Match is directed by Bille Woodruff (Addicted and Beauty Shop) and executive produced by Queen Latifah, the romantic comedy stars Lauren London, “Hit The Floor” actor Rob Riley, actress and R&B singer Brandy, “Orange Is The New Black” star Dascha Polanco, “Bridesmaids” star Kali Hawk and rapper French Montana. Terrence J credits include Think Like a Man Too and Baggage Claim. The Perfect Match open in theatres March 11.
