The star ofBlack Pantherand the Oscar-nominated director ofBlacKkKlansmanare teaming up, asChadwick Bosemanis nearing a deal to play a key supporting role inSpike Lee’s next filmDa 5 Bloods. The drama, which deals with the aftermath of the Vietnam War, will co-starDelroy LindoandJean Reno, and it’s expected to land at Netflix.
Da 5 Bloodsfollows a group of African-American Vietnam veterans who return to Vietnam and learn to come to terms with each other while they search for the remains of a fellow soldier and hidden gold.
Lindo will be playing one of the four leads (the fifth Blood died in Vietnam), and while it’s unclear whether Boseman will be playing Lindo’s son, heisexpected to play the son of one of the four leads. Now, we don’t know who those actors will be yet, but prior to this announcement, I’d heard that Lee was courting his old palSamuel L. Jackson, as well asDon Cheadle. As far as I can tell, Reno’s role will be fairly small, as he’ll be playing an unscrupulous French businessman who deals in nefarious activities in Vietnam.
Lee and hisBlacKkKlansmancollaboratorKevin Willmottworked on the script together many, many years ago, based on an original screenplay byDanny BilsonandPaul DeMeo.Matthew Billingslyalso had a hand in the script. Lee is producing the film withJon Kilik,Beatriz LevinandLloyd Levin.
Lee plans to start shooting next month once awards season is over and he can abandon the campaign trail to return behind the camera. Keep in mind that he’s already in business with Netflix on the TV adaptation of his early filmShe’s Gotta Have It. The iconic filmmaker is nominated for three Oscars this year as the co-writer, director and producer ofBlacKkKlansman, which was also Lee’s highest-grossing movie since 2006’sInside Man.
Speaking of box office success, Boseman is coming off ofBlack Panther, which grossed $700 million stateside en route to becoming the third-highest grossing domestic release of all time. The Marvel star who made his name playing Jackie Robinson and James Brown will soon be seen inAvengers: Endgameand the STX thriller17 Bridges. He’s represented by Greene & Associates Talent Agency and Management 360.
Lindo has worked with Lee multiple times, including the filmsClockers,CrooklynandMalcolm X. He’s repped by APA, while Lee is repped by ICM Partners. Reno, best known for starring inThe ProfessionalandMission: Impossible, is repped by AS Talents and Gateway Management Company.Varietybroke the news.
