Mary J. Blige is expanding her relationship with Lifetime. After starring in and executive producing the network’s “Betty & Coretta” and exec producing “The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel,” she’s set to EP “Real Love,” an original movie inspired by her hit song of the same name. A press release announced the news.
Written by Sonja Warfield and Rachel Ingram, “Real Love” is described as a coming-of-age drama. “Kendra sets off on her own for the first time to a college in upstate New York, determined to focus on her studies,” the source teases. “But when she meet’s her film class partner Ben, she tries her hardest to keep things professional. Despite disapproving parents, financial hardship, and competition for the top spot in class, Kendra and Ben find themselves falling hard for each other and ultimately learn the meaning of real love.”
Blige will exec produce via her production banner, Blue Butterfly, as will Ashaunna Ayars and Nicole Jackson.
“Real Love” marked Blige’s first top-10 song. It was certified gold following its 1992 release. The beloved anthem will be featured in the Lifetime film along with other music by Blige.
“Mary is one of those phenomenal talents that can do it all, and we are so thrilled to be able to partner with her again on this new opportunity to bring her music to life in the form of a movie that we know audiences will love,” said Tanya Lopez, EVP Scripted Content, Lifetime and LMN.
“I wrote ‘Real Love’ based on my real life experiences and my fans connected to it in a deeply personal way,” Blige explained. “It’s exciting to now use this song and my music to create a new story by way of film, continuing to build on a pillar of the foundation of my production company, Blue Butterfly. My passions for acting and music now include developing diverse stories with music as the backdrop. I am grateful to Lifetime for their partnership in the story of ‘Real Love.’“
Last year, Blige exec produced and appeared in a documentary paying tribute to her 1994 album, “My Life.” The Prime Video pic, “Mary J. Blige’s My Life,” was directed by Vanessa Roth. Blige’s recent on-screen credits include “Respect” and “Power Book II: Ghost.” The nine-time Grammy winner made history as the first person ever nominated for acting and songwriting Oscars in the same year — she was recognized for her supporting role in and original song for Dee Rees’ “Mudbound” at the 2018 ceremony. She took the stage at this year’s Super Bowl halftime show.
