Nia DaCosta has another high profile project in the pipeline. The “Little Woods” breakout dropped a spiritual sequel to “Candyman” last year and is currently in post-production on “The Marvels,” a follow-up to Brie Larson blockbuster “Captain Marvel.” Now she’s signed on to direct MGM’s adaptation of a bestselling, critically acclaimed novel: Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “The Water Dancer.” The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the news. Plan B, Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Films, and Maceo-Lyn are producing the pic.
“The Water Dancer” tells the story of Hiram Walker, who was “born into bondage. When his mother was sold away, Hiram was robbed of all memory of her — but was gifted with a mysterious power. Years later, when Hiram almost drowns in a river, that same power saves his life. This brush with death births an urgency in Hiram and a daring scheme: to escape from the only home he’s ever known,” the book’s synopsis teases.
DaCosta made her feature debut with 2018’s “Little Woods,” a drama that saw Tessa Thompson and Lily James playing estranged sisters. With “Candyman,” she became the first Black woman filmmaker to open a movie at No. 1 at the domestic box office.
Asked what advice she’d give other women directors, DaCosta told us, “Write, write, write. Surround yourself with excellent, talented, and good people.”