Insecureshowrunner/EPPrentice Pennyis set to make his feature directorial debut with the father-son storyUncorkedat Netflix, Collider has learned.Mamoudou Athie(Patti Cake$) is set to star alongsideNiecy Nash(Claws) and Emmy winnerCourtney B. Vance(American Crime Story).
Penny wrote the script, which is loosely based on his own family history. The story follows a young man who, fueled by his love of wine, strives to become a master sommelier while dealing with his father’s expectations that he’ll take over the family barbecue business.
Penny andDatari Turnerwill produce alongsideChris Pollackof Forge Media,Jason Michael Bermanof Mandalay Pictures, andJill Ahrens,Ryan AhrensandBen Renzoof Argent Pictures.Veronica Nickelwill executive produce with Mandalay’sPatrick Raymond, whileJamie MooreandWill Raynorwill serve as co-producers. A quartet of athletes are also involved withUncorked, asDrew Brees,Tony Parker,Michael FinleyandDerrick Brookswill serve as co-executive producers on the project, which starts filming on Nov. 10 in Memphis, Tennessee before the production moves to Paris, France.
“It’s rare that black people get to tell a father-son story without the father’s absence serving as the catalyst for the story. That was never my experience and I think it’s more important than ever that art reflects our humanity and who we are as regular people, rather than just being defined by the color of our skin or the trauma that has happened to us," said Penny, for whomUncorkedhas been a true passion project. “I’m incredibly grateful to Netflix and our entire producing team for not only understanding that vision, but for wholeheartedly supporting it too. To be able to tell this story, inspired by the relationship I have with my own father, is exciting for so many reasons; and to have actors like Mamoudou, Courtney and Niecy, each talented beyond measure, on board to bring this story to life with me is beyond my wildest dreams for this project.”
Penny currently serves as showrunner and executive producer of HBO’sInsecure, which recently wrapped its third season. He has also directed numerous episodes of the acclaimed series. Penny’s other credits include FOX’sBrooklyn Nine-Nine, ABC’sHappy Endingsand UPN’sGirlfriends, among others. He also created and executive produced the TV seriesThe Hustlefor Fuse Network.
I first saw Athie inPatti Cake$as the title character’s love interest, and immediately marked him as an actor to watch. He also playedGrandmaster FlashonBaz Luhrmann’s Netflix seriesThe Get Downbefore popping up as one ofEmma Watson’s co-workers inThe Circle. More recently, Athie co-starred oppositeElizabeth Olsenin the Facebook Watch seriesSorry For Your Loss. Athie recently wrapped a role inBrie Larson’s directorial debutUnicorn Storeand he’ll soon be seen alongsideKristen Stewartin the action-thrillerUnderwater. But allow me to take a moment to praise Athie’s performance as a young journalist inJason Reitman’s political dramaThe Front Runner, which hits theaters today. I saw the film in Toronto and as good asHugh Jackmanwas as disgraced presidential hopefulGary Hart, I was equally impressed by Athie’s performance. His character gets close to Hart on the campaign trail but when it comes time to ask the tough questions, he doesn’t shy away, and their climactic interview is one of the highlights of the film. Keep an eye on this guy. He’s going places.
Nash starred onReno 911!and currently toplines her own series on TNT,Claws. Her feature credits includeDownsizingandSelma, and she is reteaming with the latter film’s directorAva DuVernayon the Netflix miniseriesCentral Park Five.
Vance is a veteran actor who won an Emmy for his incredible turn asJohnnie CochraninThe People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. He recently served as the narrator ofWes Anderson’s animated filmIsle of Dogs, and he’ll soon be seen asJulia Roberts' husband in the dramaBen Is Back. He’s also set to co-star in the HBO seriesLovecraft Countryfrom executive producersJ.J. AbramsandJordan Peele.
Athie is represented by Anonymous Content and WME, which also reps Penny along with attorney John Meigs at Hansen Jacobson. WME also reps Vance and Nash, who is managed by Artists First.
