Matthew A. Cherry has been tapped to direct Redd Zone (fka The Redd Zone), starring Jada Pinkett Smith. Kristin Layne Tucker will also write the screenplay. The film is set to debut on Netflix.
Oscar-award winning Matthew A. Cherry is set to direct the film Redd Zone w/ Emmy-nominated writer Kristin Layne Tucker. Based on a true story, Redd Zone follows a single mother played by Jada Pinkett-Smith, who steps forward to help her sons & their high school football team. pic.twitter.com/tS7iAyl8MR
— Strong Black Lead (@strongblacklead) January 11, 2022
Cherry tweeted about the news, writing, "They're finally letting this former athlete direct a sports movie! So excited to work with @jadapsmith, Kristin Layne Tucker, @WestbrookInc & @netflix on this film inspired by former NFL player @BMagee53's powerful real life story. Let's get it!"
Oscar-award winning Matthew A. Cherry is set to direct the film Redd Zone w/ Emmy-nominated writer Kristin Layne Tucker. Based on a true story, Redd Zone follows a single mother played by Jada Pinkett-Smith, who steps forward to help her sons & their high school football team. pic.twitter.com/tS7iAyl8MR
— Strong Black Lead (@strongblacklead) January 11, 2022
The project, which was first announced in 2020, is based on the true story of Tia Magee, "a single mother who helps her sons and their high school football teammates, 'The Bros,' heal after the murder of their best friend, Dominic Redd."
“One by one, the boys start moving into her house and soon, 17 of ‘The Bros’ are living under her roof,” continues the synopsis. “Eventually all of them go to college and four of them make it to the NFL. Magee’s son, Brandon Magee, became a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and was later drafted by the Boston Red Sox to play outfield.”
The film will be dedicated to Redd and will be executive produced by Pinkett Smith with Will Smith via their Westbrook Studios. Miguel Melendez will also executive produce with Brandon Magee, Westbrook Studios’ co-president and head of motion pictures Jon Mone and Howard Burkons.
