Mary J. Blige is just winning and has even more major moves on the way!
In addition to her recent Oscar nomination, her BET talk show premiering, and the announcement of her ‘Strength of a Woman’ music festival returning this summer, now the Queen of Hip Hop Soul has partnered with Lifetime to executive produce two new films via her own production company.
Blige is set to executive produce new original movies ‘Real Love’ and ‘Strength of a Woman’ through her own banner.
“Mary is one of those phenomenal talents that can do it all, and we are so thrilled to be able to partner with her again on this new opportunity to bring her music to life in the form of a movie that we know audiences will love,” said Tanya Lopez, EVP Scripted Content, Lifetime and LMN.
“I wrote ‘Real Love’ based on my real life experiences and my fans connected to it in a deeply personal way.” said Mary J. Blige. “It’s exciting to now use this song and my music to create a new story by way of film, continuing to build on a pillar of the foundation of my production company, Blue Butterfly. My passions for acting and music now include developing diverse stories with music as the backdrop. I am grateful to Lifetime for their partnership in the story of ‘Real Love.’”
Blige has a proven track record of resonating with Lifetime’s audiences, having previously executive produced Lifetime’s top-rated original movie of 2020, The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel alongside fellow EPs Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott. Blige also starred as Dr. Betty Shabazz in her first movie role in the Lifetime civil rights biopic Betty & Coretta, with Angela Bassett.
Lifetime also dished on what fans can expect from the upcoming projects.
In the coming-of-age romantic drama Real Love, Kendra sets off on her own for the first time to a college in upstate New York, determined to focus on her studies. But when she meets her film class partner Ben, she tries her hardest to keep things professional. Despite disapproving parents, financial hardship, and competition for the top spot in class, Kendra and Ben find themselves falling hard for each other and ultimately learn the meaning of real love.
Real Love will be written by Sonja Warfield and Rachel Ingram. Mary J. Blige, Ashaunna Ayars and Nicole Jackson executive produce for Blue Butterfly and Jordan and John Davis executive produce for Davis Entertainment, with Sony Pictures Television distributing the movie.
More information on Strength of a Woman will be coming soon.
Mary took to her social media to share a first look at both films and announced their official premiere date.
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‘Real Love’ and ‘Strength of a Woman’ are set to premiere on back-to-back Saturdays, starting June 10th at 8/7c on Lifetime! We’ll be there!
