More books are being adapted for the big screen. That’s a good thing! The source material is right there. Plus, there are plenty of genres to choose from. And romance is increasingly the go-to. That’s no surprise. Unfortunately, it lacks diversity. Don’t get me wrong, I am excited about a lot of book-to-screen adaptations on the way. However, two things can be true.
I can acknowledge my excitement while also recognizing the oversaturation of Romance/Love stories featuring non-melanated people. That’s why I am thankful for Kennedy Ryan and her book Before I Let Go.
Since learning that Kennedy Ryan’s Skyland book series is being adapted as a TV series, I have been desperately waiting for casting news. Kennedy Ryan is by far one of my favorite Black authors. Her stories are empowering and raw. They showcase the strength and vulnerabilities women of color face. Her Skyland series is one of my favorites, and I have been wondering who would play Yasmen, Hendrix, and Soledad. Well, we have two-thirds of that information.
According to Deadline, Teyonah Parris has been cast as Yasmen Wade, and Danielle Brooks will play her bestie, Hendrix. I squealed with delight when I read the news. I couldn’t have chosen two more perfect actresses to play these beloved characters. Looking at their photos feels like they were made to play these women. This casting announcement shows how seriously Ryan and director Malcolm D. Lee are taking this. And all we have to say is: when is this series hitting our TV screens?
For those unfamiliar with the story of Before I Let Go, it follows Yasmen, a successful restaurateur and mother. After a series of devastating losses, she and her husband Josiah’s marriage falls apart. Though they are now divorced, they are also navigating life as co-parents. As she rebuilds her life and finds happiness again, she and Josiah realize their connection is still undeniable, forcing them to confront their feelings head-on. They must decide if their relationship is worth a second chance.
Hendrix is a successful entrepreneur who is the bestie we all wish we had. She says it like it is, but she’s also there for those she loves and cares about. She is an independent woman with no desire to have children. Her life is so busy that she hasn’t decided if she even wants to be married.
Parris and Brooks are two incredibly talented women. They have impressive acting credits. Parris is known for playing Monica Rambeau in Marvel Studios’ WandaVision. Brooks, an Emmy-winning actress, received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of Sofia in the 2023 adaptation of The Color Purple. She first gained widespread recognition as Taystee in Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black and later joined the DC universe as Leota Adebayo in Peacemaker.
We truly cannot wait to watch these two play besties. Especially after seeing their excitement online. Check out their announcement video below:
Now that we know who our Yasmen and Hendrix are, all that remains is who will be our Soledad. We gotta finish out the trio, girl! Of course, there are the guys as well. We can’t wait to find out who will be portraying Josiah. I have my own wish list of who I think would be perfect, particularly Nathan Mitchell from Ginny & Georgia. I know others have their visions in mind as well. Based on this first casting announcement, we know whoever it is will be someone good. We have complete faith in Ryan and Lee.
Though we don’t have any more information to share regarding when the series will be released, we are going to be right here, ready and waiting to share all the things.
