A huge shout out to Jussie Smollett, who is about to make his directorial debut with the film adaptation of a book that changed my entire life growing up.
According to Deadline, Smollett is set to direct B-Boy Blues, which is based on the best selling 1994 novel by James Earl Hardy.
B-Boy Blues centers on the complicated romantic relationship between two Black men in the summer of 1993: Mitchell Crawford, a 27-year-old journalist, and Ranheim Rivers, a 21-year-old single dad, bicycle messenger and “B-boy.”
Even though this will be Jussie’s first time directing a feature film, he has previously directed episodes of Empire prior to leaving the show and several music videos.
Jussie will also produce the film along with author Hardy, investor Tom Wilson, Frank Gatson, Sampson McCormick, and Madia Hill Scott.
B Boy Blues is set to start production in New York City on October 17th.
Had I’d known this movie was happening I would have auditioned for this.
B Boy Blues played a pivotal role in my life growing up as a teenaged person of color in the 90s, and I actually think getting behind the camera might be a better career move for Jussie, especially with what’s going on in his personal life right now.
I’ve got my fingers crossed that when this film becomes a hit that we’ll get the other books made (there are five total), and more queer content featuring black and Latino men on the big screen.