Reggie Hudlin’s career spans decades and genres, from cult classics like “House Party” and “Boomerang” to shepherding major events like the NAACP Image Awards. But his latest work, “Number One on the Call Sheet,” might be his most personal and culturally significant yet.
The new Apple TV+ documentary, produced alongside Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, and Datari Turner, tells the story of Black excellence through the voices of the biggest names in Hollywood.
Hudlin calls it “a bookend to Sidney.”
“I made a movie a few years ago about the life of Sidney Poitier, who was the first Black movie star. Everyone in these films stands on the shoulders of Sidney,” Hudlin said. “So, I thought, this would be the perfect way to do it—to feature every star today.”
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“Number One on the Call Sheet” is more than a star-studded film. It’s a roadmap, a love letter, and a masterclass rolled into one. The documentary features powerhouse talents like Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Kevin Hart, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Eddie Murphy, Laurence Fishburne, and more.
“Everyone had something amazing to contribute,” Hudlin said. “People come up to me and say, ‘Oh my God, Laurence Fishburne had me crying in the first five minutes,’ or ‘I was so inspired by what Will said.’ What these guys are really providing are blueprints for living.”
For Hudlin, these aren’t just soundbites—they’re deeply rooted lessons.
“As different as they all are, the one thing they share is a winner’s mentality. That’s the common thread.”
Hudlin learned quickly that there’s no one path to success, especially in Black Hollywood.
“Listening to their stories, you realize how Ice Cube did it is very different from how Will Smith did it, or Morgan Freeman. But they all got to the same place: number one on the call sheet. That’s the universal message—find your own road and walk it well.”
Still, the road to making the film was far from simple. Scheduling the biggest stars in the industry is like casting constellations.
“These are some of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood,” he explained. “The challenge wasn’t willingness—they all wanted to do it. It was their availability. We just kept shooting for years. It’s like fishing. You wait for Denzel. You wait for the moment.”
Hudlin says what made this documentary different was its honesty. These weren’t press junkets or promotional rounds. These were heart-to-hearts. “We weren’t plugging a project,” he said. “We were telling stories—real stories. We wanted to show the whole person.”
That authenticity extended to how the film was shot. From Kevin Hart’s office to Denzel’s personal reflections on theater versus film, the doc captures a rare intimacy.
“You really see Kevin in his moguldom,” Hudlin said. “He’s more than just funny. There’s a whole enterprise behind that performance.”
Beyond celebrity, “Number One on the Call Sheet” reflects Black identity in the entertainment industry and the evolution of representation. And for Hudlin, it’s another step in a career rooted in legacy and purpose.
From his early days making “House Party” as a Harvard student, to running BET and producing “Django Unchained,” Hudlin’s journey has always been driven by passion—and community.
“I’ve always known what kind of stories I want to tell,” he said. “And I’ve always known that the culture matters. Who we are matters.”
Hudlin also reflected on how being back on the production side—full-time—has changed his view of the industry’s power players. “I understand their concerns now,” he said. “So, I preemptively address those. It’s not about whether we agree or not—it’s about making sure everyone feels seen.”
So, what’s next?
Hudlin is staying tight-lipped but hinted at new projects in film and TV. Still, it’s “Number One on the Call Sheet” that may leave the deepest mark.
“It’s a love letter to Black performers, past and present,” he said. “And it’s a reminder that greatness isn’t a fluke—it’s a pattern, built on vision, work, and willpower.”
For anyone chasing their dream, Hudlin has a simple message:
“There’s not one road to success. You just have to find the right path for you. That’s how you win.”
And if “Number One on the Call Sheet” teaches us anything, it’s that the spotlight isn’t just a destination—it’s a calling.
