Universal Sets First-Look Production Pact With 'Girls Trip' Director

Universal Pictures has set a first-look production agreement with writer, director and producer Malcolm D. Lee and his Blackmaled Productions, Universal’s President of Production Peter Cramer announced Tuesday.

Lee’s next movie, “Girls Trip,” starring Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith, will hit theaters this weekend.

“Starting with ‘The Best Man,’ Malcolm has an incredible track record telling resonant stories that make audiences laugh and cry, which he has done brilliantly once again with ‘Girls Trip,'” said Cramer. “We are thrilled to formalize our long-standing relationship with Malcolm by welcoming his company to the lot, and we are excited about making many more films with him, starting with his next film, ‘Night School.'”

Also Read: 'Girls Trip' Review: Malcolm D Lee's Bawdy, Boozy Comedy Showcases a Stellar Sisterhood

Lee has been making films since the age of 12, and has been working in the industry professionally since he was 17. He has directed five of his nine films to date with Universal, beginning with his directorial debut “The Best Man.” He went on to direct “Undercover Brother,” “Roll Bounce,” “Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins” and “Soul Men.” In November of 2013, Lee scored his biggest box office hit with the sequel to his first film, “The Best Man Holiday,” which grossed $30.5 million in its opening weekend.

Lee is currently in pre-production to direct his sixth directorial outing with Universal, “Night School,” starring Kevin Hart and produced by Hart and Will Packer, as well as “The Best Man Wedding.”

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“I am extremely gratified to officially be a part of the Universal family,” said Lee. “This is a place I’ve always considered my home. They have respected and been supportive of my vision as a filmmaker, and I hope to continue the great success that I’ve had at Universal as we continue this fruitful partnership.”

Lee and his Blackmaled Productions were represented in the deal by Paradigm and Del, Shaw, Moonves, Tanaka, Finkelstein & Lescano.

10 Female Superheroes Who Deserve Their Own Movie After 'Wonder Woman' (Photos)

"Wonder Woman" is the first big budget, female-fronted superhero film since 2005, and the first of the current era of comic-book blockbusters, but it hopefully won't be the last. As the film directed by Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot shapes up to be a likely big hit for Warner bros, here are some other female superheroes that should get their own stand-alone films.
1. Black Widow
Fan favorite Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) has been a major part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2010's "Iron Man 2," but it's about time the assassin-turned-Avenger headlines her own solo film.
Marvel Studios
2. Kamala Khan
Kamala Khan, AKA Ms. Marvel, is Marvel Comic's first female Muslim superhero, and a huge success for the publisher among fans and critics. She'd make a great addition to the increasingly diverse Marvel Cinematic Universe too.
Marvel Comics
3. The Wasp
Evangeline Lilly will portray The Wasp next up in "Ant-Man & The Wasp," but the character has plenty of comic book history separate from Ant-Man to make up at least a few solo adventures.
Marvel Studios
4. America Chavez
The second Miss America in the comics would be Marvel's first Latina and LGBTQ superhero onscreen. Her own standalone comic launched this past March.
Marvel Comics
5. X-23
Dafne Keen's turn as the young mutant Laura -- AKA X-23 -- was a standout of Fox's late winter hit "Logan," and could easily headline her own film. The idea even got support from "Logan" director James Mangold. "I thought she was just such a great character, but with what Dafne did, I think that certainly that's possible," said Mangold.
20th Century Fox
6. Zatanna
Zatanna would be DC's answer to Marvel's "Doctor Strange" -- she's both a stage magician and a real sorceress. She's set to appear in the still in-development "Justice League Dark," which could serve as a springboard for a stand alone story.
DC Comics
7. Black Canary
One of DC's earliest super-heroines, Black Canary came into greater prominence as one of the more popular characters from the CW's Arrowverse. WB and DC are already double dipping with film and TV versions of The Flash, giving precedent for a cinematic Black Canary.
DC Comics
8. Rogue
Rogue has been one of the most prominent members of the X-Men since the 1980s and a major part of the Bryan Singer-directed X-men films and some sequels, portrayed by Anna Paquin. Paquin has said more than once would love to reprise her role.
Marvel Comics
9. Jean Grey
The next "X-Men" film is rumored to be based on "The Dark phoenix" saga from the comics, considered the Jean Grey story. But character's enduring popularity warrants a stand-alone film - and why not? Wolverine got three of them.
Marvel Comics
10. Storm
Another mutant from the "X-Men" comics that can headline her own film is the Storm. Halle Berry and Alexandra Shipp played her in the "X-Men" films.
Marvel Comics
If you like this gallery, check out Possible ‘Wonder Woman’ Sequel Storylines From the Comics (Photos)

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With ”Wonder Woman“ getting heaps of praise, TheWrap takes a look at other female superheroes who deserve their own movie

"Wonder Woman" is the first big budget, female-fronted superhero film since 2005, and the first of the current era of comic-book blockbusters, but it hopefully won't be the last. As the film directed by Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot shapes up to be a likely big hit for Warner bros, here are some other female superheroes that should get their own stand-alone films.

View In Gallery

10 Female Superheroes Who Deserve Their Own Movie After 'Wonder Woman' (Photos)

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