Daniel Kaluuya and Lena Waithe Team Up for New Film ‘Queen and Slim”
Acclaimed actor Daniel Kaluuya and Emmy-winning creative Lena Waithe will be joining forces for a new romance drama “Queen and Slim.”
According to Variety, the film is set to explore America’s social and political climate through an age-defying love story. Scripted by the Master of None star, “Queen and Slim” centers on a black man and woman who go on their first date that goes off track after being pulled over by a police officer. Acting in self-defense, the couple kills the police office and rather than turn themselves in, they go on the run to Cuba.
“To me, this is protest art,” The Chi creator said per Variety. “It’s about being black and trying to fall in love in a world that’s burning down around you.”
Along with penning the script, Waithe will be producing the film through her company, Hillman Grad Productions. Director Melina Matsoukas, who is best known for Beyoncé’s “Formation” video, will make her directorial debut in the Bonnie and Clyde-inspired love story. Matsoukas will also produce the film through her De La Revolución Films.
“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.” Matsoukas said.
Since his stellar performance in the 2017 blockbuster Get Out, Daniel Kaluuya has become a breakout star. In 2018, the Oscar-nominated actor starred in the Ryan Coogler hit film Black Panther as W’Kabi – which made him one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors. In the film, Kaluuya will play Slim, as Matsoukas and Waithe are still searching for a fresh face to play Queen.
On Thursday (July 19), Waithe took to Twitter to share her excitement for the film. “This is literally the blackest thing I’ve ever written. Hope y’all dig it. #QueenAndSlim” she wrote.
This is literally the blackest thing I’ve ever written. Hope y’all dig it. #QueenAndSlim https://t.co/OD1DBOlUHN
— Lena Waithe (@LenaWaithe) July 19, 2018
“Queen and Slim” is expected to hit theaters on November 27, 2019.
Photo Credit: PR Photos
