Mary J. Blige Set To Produce Two More Lifetime Original Movies Inspired By Her Music
L to R: Mary J. Blige, Ajiona Alexus, Da’Vinchi
Mary J. Blige, the iconic singer-songwriter, is returning to Lifetime to executive produce two new original movies inspired by her greatest hits. The films, Mary J. Blige's Real Love and Mary J. Blige's Strength of a Woman, will air back-to-back on Saturdays starting June 10 at 8 p.m.
Real Love: Ajiona Alexus, Da’Vinchi
The movies will feature an impressive cast including Ajiona Alexus (Empire, 13 Reasons Why), Da'Vinchi (BMF, Grown-ish), Princess Davis, Austin Anozie, Shiraine Haas, and Garfield Wilson.
Blige will serve as an executive producer on both films through her production company, Blue Butterfly. Ashaunna K. Ayars and Q. Nicole Jackson will co-produce the films.
Mary J. Blige's Real Love follows the story of Kendra (Alexus), an 18-year-old who sets off on her own for the first time at an HBCU in North Carolina. Despite facing disapproving parents, financial hardship, and an unexpected pregnancy, Kendra is determined to focus on school while balancing work study and keeping things professional with Ben (Da'Vinchi), her photo class partner. As Kendra and Ben fall for each other, they discover the meaning of "real love."
In Mary J. Blige's Strength of a Woman, the story of Kendra and Ben continues 15 years later. Kendra, now a successful photographer, finds herself in a failing marriage and must come to terms with the decisions she made for the life she thought she wanted. When Ben unexpectedly reappears in her life, Kendra must find the strength to take control of her life and accept the love Ben may be offering again.
Lifetime has partnered with Take Back The Night Foundation to support the content. The international event and non-profit organization aims to end all forms of sexual violence.
Mary J. Blige's Real Love and Mary J. Blige's Strength of a Woman are produced by Front Street Pictures and distributed by Sony Pictures Television. Camrus Johnson directs Real Love from a script written by Sonja Warfield and Rachel Ingram. Shari Lynette Carpenter directs Strength of a Woman from a script written by Ingram.
John Davis and Jordan Davis of Davis Entertainment will executive produce both movies. Jordan Davis recently produced Lifetime's Love You to Death, inspired by the story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard. He is also a producer on Netflix's upcoming science-fiction/fantasy film The Uglies, starring Joey King and Laverne Cox.
John Davis has an impressive list of credits to his name, including Jungle Cruise, Predator, Grumpy Old Men, Waterworld, and most recently, Prey.
