Corey Hawkins, known for his roles in “The Color Purple” and “In the Heights,” has been cast as the lead in Andscape’s upcoming film, “The Man in My Basement.” Directed by Nadia Latif, who is making her feature directorial debut, the film is an adaptation of the novel by Walter Mosley. Andscape, a Black-led content studio from Disney and ESPN, will be financing the project, with the film set to be released on Hulu through Andscape’s existing partnership with the streaming platform.
“The Man in My Basement” follows the story of Charles Blakey, portrayed by Corey Hawkins, a resident of the African American neighborhood of Sag Harbor. Charles is facing financial difficulties, on the brink of losing his ancestral home due to foreclosure. His luck changes when he is approached by a mysterious businessman named Anniston Bennet, played by Willem Dafoe. Bennet presents Charles with a strange and lucrative proposition: to rent out his basement for the summer in exchange for enough money to clear his debts. However, what initially seems like a simple arrangement soon turns into a terrifying journey for Charles and Bennet.
As Charles accepts Bennet’s proposal, he finds himself confronted by his family’s ghosts and trapped in a perplexing puzzle. The film delves into themes of race, exploring the source of the characters’ traumas and the concept of evil. With its intense and suspenseful storyline, “The Man in My Basement” promises to captivate audiences with its chilling narrative.
“The Man in My Basement” is a joint production between Andscape’s creative team, B.O.B. FilmHouse, Protagonist Pictures, and Good Gate Media. This collaborative effort brings together talented individuals from various companies, ensuring that the film benefits from a diversity of perspectives and expertise.
Corey Hawkins, who will be playing the lead role of Charles Blakey, has been making waves in the entertainment industry. Known for his powerful performances on stage and screen, Hawkins has received critical acclaim for his work in “The Color Purple” and “In the Heights.” He was nominated for a Tony Award for his role in “Top Dog/Underdog” and has appeared in notable films such as “BlacKkKlansman,” “Straight Outta Compton,” “Kong: Skull Island,” and “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”
With Corey Hawkins taking on the lead role and Nadia Latif at the helm as director, “The Man in My Basement” is poised to be a thrilling and thought-provoking film. The collaboration between Andscape and its partners guarantees a high-quality production that explores complex themes of race and trauma. Audiences can expect an immersive experience as they follow Charles Blakey’s journey through the mysterious puzzle of his basement. As Hawkins continues to establish himself as a rising star in the industry, his portrayal of Charles will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. Stay tuned for the release of “The Man in My Basement,” coming soon to Hulu.
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