Empire cast, Brysher Gray, popular known as Yazz the greatest in the popular Hollywood drama series, joins BET’s latest documentary biopic of influential boy band New Edition, titled, ‘New Edition – The Movie’.
Bryshere Gray will play as Micheal Bivins in the three part miniseries Elijah Kelley (“The Butler”) as Ricky Bell.
Cast and characters include: Singer-songwriter Luke James as Johnny Gill; Algee Smith (“Let It Shine”) as Ralph Tresvant; Keith Powers (“Straight Outta Compton”) as Ronnie Devoe, and Woody McClain (“Autographs”) as Bobby Brown.
The three-part miniseries haven’t been titled yet and will air over three nights.
Members of the boy band ‘New Edition’, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant and Bobby Brown all signed as consultants and co-producers for the film.
The younger versions of the group will be played by Dante Hoagland, Caleb McLaughlin, Jahi Winston, Myles Truitt and Tyler Williams’.
New Edition’s longtime manager Brooke Payne will be serving as a co-producer. The script was written by Abdul Williams (“Lottery Ticket”) and the yet to be titled film is scheduled to begin shooting next month.
Chris Robinson (“ATL,” “Real Husbands of Hollywood”) will be directing and it will be premiered in 2017.
“We have developed a deep and authentic relationship with our audience over the last 36 years, and it is that genuine connection that has allowed BET to expand into a global multiplatform brand.
Lee continued: “This year, we are committed to reaching far beyond the television screen and continuing to deliver more of the premium content that our audiences have come to expect.
With BET being more accessible across more platforms, we are creating a powerful 360 degree experience for our audience to interact with the BET brand like never before”.
“It’s been a long time coming and that time is finally here! Now that we have signed the deal, New Edition’s journey will be captured in a three night miniseries to tell our life story through our very own eyes.
We are happy to have New Edition Enterprises collaborate with BET Networks’ Debra Lee and Stephen Hill along with Jesse Collins Entertainment”.
New Edition added: “From our beginning in the Orchard Park Projects in Boston to Hollywood and everything in between, just like The Temptations and The Jackson Five—we are ready to retrace our footsteps and show everyone how we got here.
For the fans all over the world, this one’s for you”.