LeBron James is a busy man, and we’re not talking about his NBA career.
The CW is developing a TV adaptation of “Lean on Me,” the 1989 film starring Morgan Freeman. The series, which has a script development deal, will be executive produced by James and John Legend, along with Maverick Carter, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius.
In the CW series, spirited young black teacher Amarie Baldwin scores the principal job at an Akron, Ohio, public high school. She must dig deep to transform a failing campus into an urban oasis. In a time when education and school safety have life-or-death stakes, Amarie will take on a broken system that tests her mettle, love life and family.
Written by Wendy Calhoun, the project is from SpringHill Entertainment and Get Lifted Film Co. in association with Warner Bros. Television. Calhoun’s prior TV writing credits include “Empire,” “Nashville,” “Station 19,” and “Justified.”
“Lean on Me” was loosely based on the true-story of Joe Louis Clark, a high school principal who became famous for his unconventional disciplinary methods in Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey. James is a native of Akron and opened his “I Promise” School in the town in July.
James’ SpringHill has been busy setting up projects for this development season. This week already, James has sold two scripts for basketball-themed series to NBC. Speaking of NBC, Legend was announced as the newest coach for “The Voice” starting next spring.