Louis Gossett Jr., Cuba Gooding Jr. Join BET Networks’ ‘The Book of Negroes’

Production on novel adaptation has begun in South Africa

Getty Images

BET Networks’ upcoming miniseries “The Book of Negroes” has added Louis Gossett Jr., and Cuba Gooding Jr., to its cast as it begins production in South Africa.

The miniseries has also cast Aunjanue Ellis, Lyriq Bent, Ben Chaplin, Allan Hawco and Jane Alexander.

“The Book of Negroes,” based on a novel by Lawrence Hill (published under the title “Someone Knows My Name” in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand),  depicts the life journey of Aminata Diallo – an indomitable African woman who cuts a swath through a world that is predisposed to underestimate her. Kidnapped by slave traders in West Africa and subsequently enslaved in South Carolina, Aminata must navigate her way through the American Revolution in New York, the isolated refuge of Nova Scotia and the treacherous jungles of Sierra Leone, before ultimately securing her freedom in England at the dawn of the 19th century.

Also read: BET to Honor Nick Cannon, Forest Whitaker, Lee Daniels in ’28 Men of Change’ Series

The miniseries, which will continue production in Nova Scotia after South Africa, will air on CBS in Canada and on BET in the United States.

Clement Virgo (“The Wire”) co-wrote the miniseries with Hill, and is also directing.

Also read: BET Executives’ Emails Leaked Amid Legal Mess: I Don’t Want B Scott Looking Like a Woman

Conquering Lion Pictures, Out of Africa Entertainment and Entertainment One Television are producing.

Comments