From the looks of things, Lee Daniels’ upcoming new show on Fox is coming together pretty nicely as he recently landed a big name to lead the currently untitled project.
Media mogul Queen Latifah has signed on for a starring role in the still developing project that formerly had the working title “Star.”
The project, which begins production in Atlanta this month, is another music based show but contrary to previous reports, it wont be an “Empire“ spin-off, focusing on Cookie’s early life. Instead, the pilot will focus on three young women who form a group and try to make it in the music industry. In the vein of Dreamgirls, the show will touch upon “the manufacturing of modern-day girl groups, showcasing the allure and heartache of the cut-throat music scene, and exploring cultural themes from a new perspective” according to Variety.
Latifah will play the role of Carlotta, an Atlanta beauty salon owner with a beautiful voice who becomes the mother figure to a girl group despite not being thrilled with their musical aspirations. Newcomers Jude Demorest, Ryan Destiny and Brittany O’Grady have been cast as the members of the group. Demorest will play Star, the tough as nails 18-year-old foster child determined to live up to her name. Destiny takes on the role of Alexandra, a well off 20-year-old who hides her privileged background in attempts to prove her authenticity. And O’Grady will portray Star’s younger sister Simone, who is stuck in an abusive foster home and hoping her big sister will come to rescue her.
In addition to the aforementioned cast members, transgender model Amiyah Scott was also recently cast in the production though thus far there’s been no word on which role she’ll play. Reports indicate that when the first casting call for the series went out there was a specific mention of a role made specifically for a transgender actress.
The as of yet untitled project is slated to contend for a Fall 2016 timeslot.
