“Girls Trip” and “Night School” director Malcolm D. Lee will continue his partnership with Universal Pictures, as the studio announced Wednesday that it will distribute his next project, “Real Talk.”
“Empire” writer Radha Blank is attached to pen the script, which is based on a concept by Lee about a faded hip-hop legend who looks to reunite his old group and reclaim their past glory. Lee will also produce through his banner Blackmaled Productions, with the studio’s Production & Development SVP Melanie N. Clark overseeing production alongside Universal’s Executive Vice President of Production Kristin Lowe and Creative Executive Mika Pryce.
“Girls Trip” was one of the breakout non-blockbuster hits last summer, grossing $140 million against a budget of $19 million. Lee’s current film, “Night School,” sees him reunite with “Girls Trip” star Tiffany Haddish and producer Will Packer, with Kevin Hart starring opposite Haddish. Analysts project the film to earn an opening weekend in the high $20 million range, with a chance to match or beat the $31 million opening of “Girls Trip.”
Lee is represented by Paradigm Talent Agency, and Blank is represented by CAA.
