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Netflix has grabbed an upcoming Octavia Spencer and LeBron James’ limited series about entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker.A representative from Netflix made the announcement Television during the Critics Assn. press tour.
A’Lelia Bundles, Walker’s great-great-granddaughter, will also serve as a consultant for the show. Also, the eight-episode series will be based on her book On Our Own Ground.
“The series will recount the untold story of how Walker, a black hair care pioneer and mogul, overcame hostile turn-of-the-century America, epic rivalries, tumultuous marriages and some trifling family to become America’s first black, self-made female millionaire,” Variety reports.
Nicole Asher will be a writer for the series and Black Nativity’s Kasi Lemmons will direct the pilot and also exec produce. Earlier this year, James’ production company, SpringHil Entertainment, made an exciting announcement about the Space Jam sequel. They are now partnering with Spencer for this ambitious initiative.
“It’s so exciting for all of us to keep building SpringHill, see it mature, and continue to find its voice. We are really focused on growing with authenticity and substance,” SpringHill rep Maverick Carter said. “For us, this is totally about great stories and great partners. Partnering with Octavia to tell the story of Madam C.J. Walker is the ideal first project for SpringHill to take an important step into scripted drama.”