Nia Long Joins Teyana Taylor's Directorial Debut 'Get Lite' at Paramount

By Elena Vasquez

Nia Long has joined the cast of "Get Lite," the Paramount film that marks the directorial debut of singer and actor Teyana Taylor. The studio has slated the movie for a wide theatrical release on Aug. 20, 2027.

The announcement follows Long's turn in "Michael," the Antoine Fuqua-directed biopic of Michael Jackson. That Lionsgate release grossed more than $1 billion worldwide, surpassing "Oppenheimer" as the highest-grossing biopic of all time. Long plays Jackson family matriarch Katherine Jackson in the film.

Production on "Get Lite" is underway in New York City.

Who stars in 'Get Lite'?

The film stars Emmy winner Storm Reid ("The Last of Us," "Euphoria") and NFL rookie-turned-actor Ceyair Wright ("Space Jam: A New Legacy"). Wright plays a talented but sheltered dance student who finds inspiration, love and family in the subways of New York City. Reid plays the girl who opens his life to new possibilities.

Long's casting reunites her with Reid. The two co-starred in the 2023 hit thriller "Missing."

The ensemble also includes:

• Leslie Odom, Jr.
• Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
• Jodie Turner-Smith
• Asante Blackk
• Woody McClain
• Tylil James
• Khayr Bullock

Who is making the film?

Taylor directs from a screenplay by Maurice Williams, based on a spec script by Eric Gross that appeared on the Black List in 2020. Reid produces alongside Kenya Barris and Anni Weisband for Khalabo Ink Society, Robyn Simpson for A Seed & Wings Productions, and Bill Karesh for Offbrnd. Taylor produces with Courtney "Coco" Gilbert under their banner, The Aunties.

Long has worked with Barris before. She appeared in his 2023 Netflix comedy "You People" and his 2020 series "#BlackAF."

What else is ahead for Nia Long?

Last month, Long received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The four-time NAACP Image Award winner most recently starred in "Michael," produced by Oscar winner Graham King, alongside Oscar nominee Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Jaafar Jackson — Michael Jackson's nephew — as the king of pop.

Her upcoming slate is busy:

• She executive produces and stars in the Netflix film "Don't Ever Wonder," reuniting with "Love Jones" co-star Lorenz Tate.
• She stars with Ice Cube in "Are We Done Yet?," the third film in their "Are We There Yet?" franchise.
• She reprises her role in the next "Friday" movie.
• Her memoir, chronicling roles in "Boyz n the Hood," "The Best Man" franchise, "Soul Food," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and more, arrives in 2027.

Long is represented by Untitled Entertainment and Brecheen Feldman Breimer Silver & Thompson, LLP.

With "Get Lite," Taylor joins a short list of multi-hyphenate artists moving from performing to directing at a major studio — and Paramount's 2027 date signals the studio sees commercial potential in the subway dance story.