Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Maude Apatow, and Katt Williams are set to join the cast of an untitled buddy comedy from TriStar, which stars Keke Palmer and Grammy-winning musician SZA. Joshua Neal, Aziza Scott, and Patrick Cage will also be featured in the film. The logline of the project remains confidential.
Lawrence Lamont is directing the film, with Syreeta Singleton writing the screenplay. The production is being overseen by Issa Rae and Sara Diya Rastogi from Hoorae, Deniese Davis from ColorCreative, and Charles D. King, James Lopez, and Poppy Hanks from Macro Film Studios, with Singleton also serving as a co-producer. Executive producers include Palmer and Sharon Palmer from Big Boss, and Macro Film Studios is co-financing the project.
The film emerged from the CoCre lab at Sony Pictures, an initiative that supports diverse screenwriters in developing their first studio features based on original concepts.
Howery, who recently appeared in “Vacation Friends 2,” has an extensive resume including roles in “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Good Burger 2,” and “Dashing Through the Snow.” He will also star in “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” set for release this August.
James, known for her role in the Emmy-nominated ABC comedy “Abbott Elementary,” has received multiple Emmy nominations and won the NAACP Image Award for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Her recent stand-up special featured in Netflix’s “The Stand Ups” adds to her growing list of accolades.
Calloway, an original cast member of “Dreamgirls,” has received numerous NAACP Image Award nominations and won the NAACP Theater Award for Best Actress. She is currently featured in “The Black Hamptons” on BET and “The Vince Staples Show” on Netflix, and has directed and produced several projects.
Monterroso Mejia is recognized for her role as Maria Sofia Estrada on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and will appear in Amazon’s “You’re Cordially Invited,” as well as Apple TV+’s “The Studio” and Netflix’s “Running Point.”
Apatow, who stars as Lexi Howard on HBO’s “Euphoria,” has recently launched Jewelbox Pictures with Olivia Rosenbloom. The company is developing multiple films, including Apatow’s directorial debut “Poetic License” and other upcoming projects.
Williams, who earned an Emmy for his guest role in “Atlanta,” is known for his work in “The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2” and other notable projects throughout his two-decade career.
Neal, Scott, and Cage also bring notable experience to the film, with recent roles in projects such as HBO’s “Black Lady Sketch Show,” Apple TV+’s “Home Before Dark,” and Max’s “Rap Sh!t,” respectively.
