Judy Blume's classic 1975 novel gets a fresh take from Mara Brock Akil
Netflix will launch a new series called Forever in 2025. The show, a reimagination of Judy Blume's classic 1975 novel of the same name, is a romantic drama that follows the passionate first love of two Black teenagers in Los Angeles. The series, created by Mara Brock Akil, who is celebrated for her work on shows such as Being Mary Jane and Girlfriends, stars Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr.The teaser, which can be viewed above, highlights the intensity and excitement of first love and shows how it can shape the course of one's life.
“Judy Blume’s ability to capture the real emotions we experience during the various rites of passage of our youth influenced my life choices and writing voice,” Brock Akil, who serves as executive producer and showrunner, told Netflix when the show was announced. “I’m honored to reimagine one of my favorite books, Forever.”
Regina King, acclaimed director and actress known for "One Night in Miami" and "A Man in Full," will executive produce the series and direct its inaugural episode.
The cast consists of:
Lovie Simone (Social Distance, Manhunt) and Michael Cooper Jr. (On the Come Up) have been cast as the show’s leads. Simone will play Keisha Clark, a young confident, smart, and fiery track star with clear dreams for life after high school. Meanwhile, Cooper Jr. will portray Justin Edwards, a nerd at heart disguised in an athlete’s body. Justin dreams of playing D1 basketball and achieving more than his successful parents. Love will lead him to who he truly is.
The rest of the cast is as follows:
Karen Pittman as Dawn, Justin’s mother. Dawn is a college-educated, top executive in corporate finance. Her easy elegance belies her loving — yet paranoid — parenting style. Dawn may be strict sometimes, but her behavior is always out of love. She’s worked hard to give Justin the things he needs to succeed and wants him to make smart decisions.
Wood Harris as Eric, Justin’s father. Eric is a restaurateur with a high school degree — and one from the school of life. He’s the more lenient parent who always ends up playing referee. Eric knows his son feels immense pressure to go on to higher education and not waste the head start his family has worked so hard to provide. Eric has a good relationship with his son, and though he’s not as intense as his wife, he maintains clear boundaries. In 2018, Dawn and Eric are navigating parenting during a time of heightened awareness around the lack of safety for Black boys in America.
Xosha Roquemore as Shelly, Keisha’s mother. Shelly is no stranger to hard work and hard knocks. She’s never had a lot, but has always prioritized taking care of her family.
Marvin Lawrence Winans III as Jaden, Justin’s younger brother. Although he can be annoying, Jaden idolizes his big brother and enjoys any chance he gets to spend time with him.
Barry Shabaka Henley as George, Keisha’s grandfather. George is laid-back and looks out for his granddaughter. He acts as her surrogate father and protector — so George is ready to give Keisha advice and take an active interest in her life.
Ali Gallo as Chloe, Keisha’s best friend and confidant. Chloe is self-assured, outgoing, and can sometimes be in her own self-involved, naïve bubble. Still, she always has Keisha’s best interest at heart. Chloe is a popular girl who comes from wealth.
Niles Fitch as Darius, Justin’s best friend. He is athletic, charming, assertive, and focused on girls. Darius loves to offer what he thinks is sage advice to a more tentative and less confident Justin. Still, loyal Daris’ ultimate goal is to help Justin come out of his shell.
Paigion Walker as Tiffany, one of Keisha’s older cousins. She is a new mom and loves her new role. But beautiful and stylish Tiffany still clings onto her old life as much as possible — even if that means leaving for the bathroom to pump during a girls night out.
E’myri Crutchfield as Tammy, Keisha’s rival on their high school track team. Tammy is confident, cute, and athletic. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to regain the No. 1 spot that Keisha now holds.