The cast for New Edition’s upcoming three-part biopic series has been revealed. Singer-songwriter Luke James has joined the lineup and will portray Johnny Gill. This isn’t James’ first acting gig, though. The 31-year-old starred in the 2013 film Black Nativity, along with Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson and Tyrese, among others.
Other cast members include Bryshere Y. Gray (Empire) as Michael Bivins; Woody McClain (Autographs) as Bobby Brown; Elijah Kelley (The Butler) as Ricky Bell; Algee Smith (Earth to Echo) as Ralph Tresvant; and Keith Powers (Straight Outta Compton) as Ronnie Devoe.
“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,” says New Edition in a joint statement.
“We are happy to have New Edition Enterprises collaborate with BET Networks’ Debra Lee and Stephen Hill along with Jesse Collins Entertainment. 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.”
The biopic is slated to premiere in 2017 on BET.
