Andscape, the Black-led content studio from Disney and ESPN, has announced that Corey Hawkins will be taking on the lead role in their upcoming film adaptation of the Walter Mosley novel, “The Man in My Basement.” Hawkins, known for his performances in “The Color Purple” and “In the Heights,” will also serve as an executive producer on the project. The film will be directed by Nadia Latif, making their feature directorial debut.
“The Man in My Basement” follows the story of Charles Blakey, portrayed by Hawkins, a resident of the African American neighborhood of Sag Harbor. Charles is facing financial struggles as he is out of work and on the brink of losing his ancestral home. His life takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious businessman, Anniston Bennet, played by Willem Dafoe, offers him a peculiar proposition. Charles is asked to rent out his basement for the summer in exchange for enough money to clear his debts.
A Terrifying Puzzle
As Charles accepts the offer, he soon realizes that he has stumbled into a twisted and terrifying situation. The rented basement becomes the setting for a dark and haunting puzzle, one that confronts the ghosts of his family’s past and forces him to face the deep-rooted traumas of his community. At the heart of this perplexing mystery lies the issue of race, as the characters are forced to confront the source of their pain and the concept of evil itself.
A Collaborative Effort
“The Man in My Basement” is being produced in collaboration with B.O.B. FilmHouse, Protagonist Pictures, and Good Gate Media. With Andscape at the helm, this project aims to provide a platform for underrepresented voices and showcase diverse storytelling. The film is set to be released on Hulu through Andscape’s existing partnership with the streaming platform.
Corey Hawkins has been garnering critical acclaim for his work in both film and theater. His breakout role came in the form of Dr. Dre in “Straight Outta Compton,” which led to him landing various high-profile projects such as “BlacKkKlansman” and “Kong: Skull Island.” On stage, he received a Tony nomination for his performance in “Top Dog/Underdog” and was praised for his work in “The Color Purple.” Hawkins’ talent and versatility make him the perfect fit for the complex character of Charles Blakey.
“The Man in My Basement” promises to be an intriguing and thought-provoking film that tackles issues of race, trauma, and the human condition. With Corey Hawkins leading the cast and Andscape’s commitment to telling diverse stories, this adaptation of Walter Mosley’s novel has all the makings of a captivating cinematic experience. As fans eagerly await its release on Hulu, they can look forward to witnessing Hawkins’ compelling performance and the collaborative creative effort behind this highly anticipated project.
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