Moonlight’s Barry Jenkins plans on keeping up the momentum of the success of Moonlight by delving straight into his next picture, If Beale Street Could Talk, in which Dave Franco, Ed Skrein and Brian Tyree Henry have now all joined the cast.
If Beale Street Could Talk tells the story of Tish, a newly engaged Harlem woman who races against the clock to prove her lover’s innocence while carrying their first-born child. It is a celebration of love told through the story of a young couple, their families and their lives, trying to bring about justice through love, for love and the promise of the American dream.
Also joining the cast of Jenkins follow-up is Stephan James, Colman Domingo, KiKi Layne and Regina King. Jenkins wrote the screen adaptation and is producing via his Pastel label along with Annapurna Pictures and Plan B.
Jenkins, who has wanted to adapt the story for many years, previously stated that the story was close to his heart.
“James Baldwin is a man of and ahead of his time. His interrogations of the American consciousness have remained relevant to this day. To translate the power of Tish and Fonny’s love to the screen in Baldwin’s image is a dream I’ve long held dear. Working alongside the Baldwin Estate, I’m excited to finally make that dream come true.”
Dave Franco recently lent his voice to Warner Bros. The Lego Ninjago movie and can next be seen in the highly anticipated Disaster Artist alongside his brother James Franco. He will also be appearing in Netflix film 6 Ballons.
Skrein, who shot to fame after playing the villain Ajax in Deadpool will be seen in James Cameron’s Alita: Battle Angel during the summer of 2018.
