Trevor Jackson & Jason Mitchell to star in Director X-helmed Superfly remake

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

The Director X-helmed remake of SUPERFLY just got a whole lot cooler with the confirmation that Trevor Jackson (AMERICAN CRIME) has signed onto the project to star as Youngblood Priest. In more casting news, Deadline Hollywood is exclusively reporting that Jason Mitchell (MUDBOUND, STRAIGHT OUT OF COMPTON) will co-star as Priest's reluctant friend, Eddie. Both actors will join the list of previously announced cast members: Lex Scott Davis (TRAINING DAY) as Georgia, Andrea Londo (NARCOS) as Cynthia, Jacob Ming-Trent (WHITE FAMOUS) as Fat Freddy, and Omar Chapparo (OVERBOARD) as Adalberto.

Producing the remake of SUPERFLY alongside Joel Silver will be Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn, better known by his singer, songwriter, and record producer moniker, Future. Meanwhile, Steven R. Shore, son of the original film’s producer Sig Shore, will act as an executive producer in a partnership with Matthew Hirsch, Hal Sadoff and Aaron Ausch. As part of his producing role for the remake, Future will also curate the film's soundtrack. Furthermore, Alex Tse will write the script.

Fueled by the smooth grooves of Curtis Mayfield, the 1972 Gordon Parks Jr-directed original blaxploitation film starred Ron O'Neil as Priest, and told the story of an African American cocaine dealer who attempts to execute one last score before leaving his life of crime behind.

In commenting on the project, Director X told Deadline that, “When I went back and watched the original, I was struck by how relevant the themes are,” said Director X. “The pursuit of the American Dream is eternal – everyone’s always on the hustle, because you’ve got to be… and Superfly is about pulling off the ultimate hustle to get out of the game. Our goal is to make it modern – to make a movie where the style, the art direction, the camera movements are all part of what makes the movie Superfly. With this film, my goal is to honor the lineage of an iconic title that the community has loved for decades.”

X then continued, “I want to honor it in a way that shows a new generation how black culture continues to be a catalyst for new trends in every area, from fashion to music. I’m also excited to be working with Future, both on the music and as a producer of the film – the original soundtrack is legendary, and that’s an inspiration for the artists that Future is working with to bring a singular modern musical vision to the film.”

Following up on Director X's comments was Steven R. Shore, who told Deadline, “My father was very proud to have made a movie that meant so much to so many over the years, and for me, it’s gratifying to be continuing that legacy with this film. Director X has an incredible vision to bring Superfly, and Superfly style, to a whole new generation.”

Director X announced that he'd be directing the remix of the 70's cult classic via his personal Instagram account:

 

Big tings! Proud to announce that I will be directing the remix of the 70's cult classic @SuperflyMovie with veteran film producer, Joel Silver and @Future #Superfly 🎬

A post shared by Director X (@idirectorx) on Jan 16, 2018 at 9:06am PST

It sounds to me like Director X has assembled quite the team to aid him in creating a respectful and stylin' remake of Gordon Parks Jr.'s gritty original film. It should prove interesting to see how X brings the story of Youngblood Priest to modern-day screens, and in what ways Future's soundtrack can add to the legacy of Mayfield's timeless contribution to the blaxploitation scene. With the right synergy, and plenty of hard work, I've no doubt that this film will be a stone groove, baby. I'm looking forward to checking it out.