Kerry Washington is set to produce another mother-centric film through her Simpson Street production banner, The Hollywood Reporter writes. About a month after the “Scandal” star was first linked to produce and star in an adaptation of Aimee Molloy’s upcoming novel “The Perfect Mother” for Sony’s TriStar division comes word that she’ll produce New York Times best-seller “The Mothers,” also based on a book by a female author, Brit Bennett.
Set in a black community in a small, suburban Southern California town, “The Mothers” centers on a big secret that “rocks the lives of several of its residents,” THR summarizes. “The story explores young love, friendship, and loss through a story centered on Nadia, a teen who, while grieving after her mother’s suicide, starts a relationship with Luke, the pastor’s son, and becomes pregnant. The choice she makes not only affects her own life and relationships for decades to come but the lives of Luke and Nadia’s best friend, Aubrey.”
Bennett will pen the script and serve as one of the project’s executive producers. No word on whether Washington will play a role in the film.
Warner Bros. optioned the rights to the book, and THR notes that “The Mothers” marks Simpson Street’s first feature project for the company. Simpson Street has an overall deal with ABC Studios.
Overseeing the project for Warner Bros. are Julia Spiro and Courtney Freedman.
Simpson Street’s first project was HBO’s “Confirmation,” which saw Washington portray Anita Hill, who famously fought against sexual harassment during the Supreme Court confirmation of Clarence Thomas. The drama received two Emmy nominations: Lead Actress for Washington, and Outstanding Television Movie.
“Scandal” is currently in its sixth season on ABC. Washington has earned two Emmy nominations for her role in the Shonda Rhimes political thriller.
