Sanaa Lathan, an actress known for her roles in The Affair and Native Son, is making her feature directorial debut! Deadline is reporting that Paramount Players has tapped Lathan direct the upcoming film adaptation of On the Come Up. She takes over the reins from Wanuri Kahiu.
Based on the novel of the same name by NYT bestselling author Angie Thomas, On the Come Up follows Bri, a 16-year-old who aims to be one of the best rappers of all time. Angry and frustrated at being labelled a hoodlum at school and facing poverty at home, Bri releases her own song — but it soon goes viral for all the wrong reasons. When she and her mom are on the brink of eviction, Bri must work harder than ever to make it, controversy or not.
Lathan is directing the screenplay penned by Kay Oyegun. Temple Hill, State Street, and Angie Thomas are set to produce. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
