Melina Matsoukas has yet another project in the works. Best known for directing Issa Rae-starrer “Insecure” and Beyoncé’s “Formation” video, the rising star will helm “Queen & Slim” for Universal. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Brad Weston’s Makeready closed a deal to finance the pic following a “heated bidding war.” “The Chi” creator Lena Waithe is set to pen the script and “Get Out’s” Daniel Kaluuya will star.
Based on an idea and treatment from “A Million Little Pieces” author James Frey and story by Waithe and Frey, the script is described as a “Bonnie and Clyde”-like story that follows “a black couple out on a first date whose night goes terribly awry. They end up killing a police officer in self-defense and, on the run, head to Cuba,” the source summarizes. Oscar nominee Kaluuya is taking on the role of Slim, but Queen hasn’t been cast yet.
Matsoukas is linked to a number of projects in development. In February 2017 it was reported that she’ll direct Universal Pictures’ adaptation of “City of Saints & Thieves,” Natalie C. Handerson’s novel about a girl looking to avenge her mother’s death. That September it was announced that she’ll helm Amazon Studios’ feature adaptation of Marlon James’ award-winning novel “A Brief History of Seven Killings” for Amazon Studios, a drama that kicks off with an attempted assassination of reggae legend Bob Marley. On the small screen, she’s signed on to direct the pilot of FX’s adaptation of “Y: The Last Man,” a beloved graphic novel set in a dystopia.
The Grammy winner launched her career directing music videos, including many collaborations with Beyoncé’ and Rihanna.
“Queen & Slim” marks a reunion for Matsoukas and Waithe. The former directed “Master of None’s” “Thanksgiving” episode, and the latter penned the script. Waithe won an Emmy for the ep, which was inspired by her own coming out process.
Waithe’s Showtime series, Chicago-set ensemble drama “The Chi,” has been renewed for a second season. She also has a series in development at TBS. The network ordered a pilot for “Twenties,” a comedy about a queer woman and her straight BFFs.
Matsoukas is producing “Queen & Slim” via her De La Revolución Films and Waithe is producing the pic via her Hillman Grad Productions.
“To me, this is protest art,” said Waithe. “[‘Queen & Slim’] about being black and trying to fall in love in a world that’s burning down around you.”
Matsoukas added, “It’s a film that defines black love as a revolutionary act. It shows that our union is the greatest weapon against the assault on black people in America.”
“Queen & Slim” is slated to kick off production in January 2019 and is expected to hit North American theaters “midweek on Nov. 27, 2019, on the eve of Thanksgiving weekend,” THR reports.
