Judy Blume’s books mean a lot to an entire generation. Because of their timeless nature, her stories span decades. Because of this, it’s no surprise that they continue to be adapted for film and TV. Up next is her book Forever.
What’s unique about this adaptation of Judy Blume’s Forever is that it will be done in a serial format instead of a film. That works for us, though. No rule says a book must be a movie when it is adapted. Another unique aspect is that the series features two Black actors, Lovie Simone, and Michael Cooper Jr., in the lead roles. That makes this writer very happy. Growing up, there weren’t too many coming-of-age dramas for Black people. So I’m glad that Mara Brock Akil decided to bring Judy Blume’s story to life in this way.
Simone will star in the series as Keisha Clark, a young, confident, smart, and fiery track star with clear dreams for life after high school. Cooper Jr. will portray Justin Edwards, a nerd at heart disguised in an athlete’s body with dreams of playing D1 basketball and achieving more than his successful parents.
According to the official logline, Forever is “an epic love story of two Black teens exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts, set in Los Angeles, 2018.” We were previously treated to an official teaser, and now we have some first-look photos for season one, as well as a release date.
Watch the official teaser trailer for Forever below:
How can you watch that and not smile? We’re already rooting for Keisha and Justin. And from the looks of the trailer, there will be a lot of love, tension, and obstacles ahead. I have not read Judy Blume’s book Forever but I will prepare for this series. I am so glad that Mara Brock Akil is bringing the story to life because she’s responsible for a few of my favorite shows, such as Girlfriends. This story will be in good hands, primarily because of what Judy Blume means to her.
In speaking with TUDUM she had this to say:
“I’ve always credited Judy Blume as part of the seasoning of my voice as a writer. She was one of the first writers I read that dared to be honest about the human condition in young people and you can see traces of her writing style within my own.”
“What better metaphor for this love story than what LA represents, for not only me, but a lot of people,” Brock Akil says. “LA is a place for dreamers, and chasing dreams is no different than chasing love, it comes with the highs, the lows, the epic, and the intimate.”
Check out the first-look photos from Forever.
Season one of Forever is set to be released on Netflix on May 8th. Also starring in the series is Karen Pittman, Wood Harris, Xosha Roquemore, Marvin Winans III, Niles Fitch, Barry Shabaka Henley, Ali Gallo, Adriyan Rae, Paigion Walker, Xavier Mills, and E’myri Crutchfield.
